Douglas County, CO Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Horse/cow/mule/llama
- 1 animal unit each
- Goat/sheep/swine/alpaca
- 4 = 1 animal unit
- ER/RR density
- 1 unit per ½ acre
- Under 6 months
- Not counted
- Colorado rule
- Fence-out (open range)
Summary
Douglas County zones livestock by "animal units." A horse, cow, mule, or llama counts as 1 unit; miniature horses, swine, sheep, goats, or alpacas count 4-to-1. On ER and RR parcels the density limit is one animal unit per half-acre.
Hoofed animals includes horses, cattle, mules, llamas, sheep, goats, or swine. The following animal units shall apply: Horse/mule/cow/llama 1 = 1 animal unit; Miniature horse/swine/sheep/goat/alpaca: 4 = 1 animal unit. Young animals less than 6 months of age shall not count toward the allowable unit limit.
Full Breakdown
Section 2405 of the Douglas County Zoning Resolution sets animal units for hoofed livestock: horse/mule/cow/llama = 1 unit; miniature horse/swine/sheep/goat/alpaca = 4 = 1 unit; young animals under 6 months don't count. Density limits: ER zone and nonconforming 2.3–4.49-acre lots allow one animal unit per ½ acre (§2406); RR and 4.5–8.9-acre lots the same (§2407); A-1/LRR of 9+ acres place no limit on owner-kept livestock (§2408–2409). Barns and corrals must meet livestock setbacks (25–100 ft by lot size, §2411). Note Colorado is a "fence-out" state: under C.R.S. §35-46-102 a landowner recovers for livestock trespass only if a lawful fence was maintained.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding animal-unit density, keeping livestock on undersized or wrongly zoned lots, or violating setbacks is enforced by Douglas County Planning under the Zoning Resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many horses can I keep on my land?
Am I liable if my cattle stray onto a neighbor's land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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