Loveland, CO Animal Ordinances: Livestock (2026)

Loveland's residential zoning districts do not authorize hoofstock or commercial-style livestock on standard residential lots. Under LMC § 6.28.010 (Pet Animal Limitations), animals must be kept in a way that does not create a health, safety, or nuisance hazard — a standard incompatible with cattle, horses, sheep, or swine on a residential parcel. The Loveland Municipal Code expressly accommodates only three categories of farm-style animals in residential zones: (1) chickens, ducks, geese and other domesticated fowl under the performance standard of § 6.28.010 (no permit, no fixed cap, but coop placement per zoning); (2) Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs four months and older with an annual NOCO Humane license under LMC §§ 6.08.010-060; and (3) dwarf goats four months and older with a licensed and inspected enclosure under § 6.08. Larger livestock — cattle, horses, full-size goats, sheep, swine, ducks, geese, turkeys — are limited to agriculturally-zoned parcels within Loveland city limits, or to unincorporated Larimer County (where the county uses an 'Animal Unit' density system in Rural Residential and Open/Agricultural zones; one 1,000-lb horse equals one Animal Unit, smaller livestock fractional units). East Loveland has more large agricultural parcels; west Loveland near the foothills is more residential. Properties annexed with prior agricultural rights may retain legal-nonconforming livestock. Confirm zoning with the Loveland Community Development Department at (970) 962-2577 before acquiring animals.