Loveland, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Loveland Municipal Code Title 6 (Animals), Chapter 6.28 (Pet Animal Limitations) governs backyard chickens. LMC § 6.28.010 states: 'No person shall keep, house or maintain in or upon the premises of any residential dwelling unit more pet animals than can be properly maintained in a healthy condition without presenting a health or safety hazard, or more pet animals than can be properly maintained without constituting a nuisance to neighboring properties.' Chickens, ducks, geese and other domesticated fowl are treated as pet animals under this performance-based standard rather than capped at a numeric limit. The city does not require a separate backyard chicken permit, distinguishing Loveland from neighbors like Longmont (4-hen cap with permit) and Fort Collins (8-hen cap with permit). Roosters are not categorically prohibited in the code, but a crowing rooster will typically generate a nuisance complaint enforceable through NOCO Humane Animal Protection & Control. Coop placement, height, and setbacks are not specified in Title 6 — they follow the underlying residential zone's accessory-structure rules in the Loveland Municipal Code's development standards. The code also restricts on-site slaughter (small animals such as chickens may not be killed on residential premises except by a licensed veterinarian or by Animal Control). Confirm coop/run setbacks with the Loveland Community Development Department at (970) 962-2577 before construction.