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Douglas County, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Allowed only via
Use by special review
Approving body
Board of County Commissioners
Eligible zones
A-1 and LRR only
Residential zones
Not permitted
Also governed by
Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Summary

In unincorporated Douglas County, nondomestic or exotic animals are permitted only as a "use by special review" approved by the Board of County Commissioners, and only in the A-1 (Agriculture-One) and LRR (Large Rural Residential) zoning districts.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Nondomestic or exotic animals are permitted only as a use by special review upon approval by the Board, in the A-1 and LRR zoning districts. A nondomestic animal is generally considered to be an animal not normally adapted to live and breed in a tame condition.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 2410 of the Douglas County Zoning Resolution governs exotic animals. Nondomestic or exotic animals are allowed only by "use by special review" upon Board approval, and only in the A-1 and LRR zone districts. A nondomestic animal is one "not normally adapted to live and breed in a tame condition"; an exotic animal is one "introduced from another country not normally kept as a household pet or farm animal." This means residential and suburban zones, including most of Highlands Ranch, cannot keep exotic species without rezoning approval. State and federal wildlife/possession laws (Colorado Parks & Wildlife) also apply on top of the county zoning rule.

Violations & Fines

Keeping an exotic or nondomestic animal without special-review approval, or outside A-1/LRR zoning, violates the Zoning Resolution and is enforced by Douglas County Planning; state wildlife-possession penalties may also apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an exotic pet in Highlands Ranch?
Generally no. Section 2410 allows nondomestic/exotic animals only by special review in A-1 and LRR zones. Highlands Ranch's residential zoning does not qualify, so such animals are effectively prohibited there.
What counts as an exotic animal?
The county defines an exotic animal as one introduced from another country not normally kept as a household pet or farm animal, and a nondomestic animal as one not normally adapted to live and breed tame.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Douglas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Douglas County rules

Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview

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