Animal Ordinances in Castle Rock, CO

If you live in Castle Rock or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Castle Rock has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Castle Rock allows up to eight chickens or ducks (cumulative) on lots up to two acres, and up to twelve on lots over two acres. Only hens/female ducks are allowed; roosters and drakes are prohibited. One coop per rear yard, secured dusk to dawn.

Key details: Limit (up to 2 acres): 8 chickens/ducks total. Limit (over 2 acres): 12 chickens/ducks. Roosters/drakes: Prohibited. Coops per rear yard: One. Nighttime: Coop-secured dusk to dawn.

Keeping roosters, exceeding the bird count, or improper coop/enclosure conditions are Title 6 violations enforced by Animal Welfare/Code Compliance, subject to abatement and fines.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs in Castle Rock must be under control on a leash, cord or chain no more than 10 feet long, held by a person able to restrain the animal. Electric/remote leashes do not comply in public. Dogs over 6 months must be licensed.

Key details: Max leash length: 10 feet. Electric/remote leash: Not allowed in public. License required: Dogs over 6 months. Code: Municipal Code Title 6. Off-leash: Dog parks / private property only.

Running at large, no leash, or unlicensed dogs are municipal code violations subject to summons, fines, and impound/reclaim fees through the Animal Welfare Unit.

Beekeeping

Castle Rock permits beekeeping in rear yards of single-family homes. Lots under 10,000 sq ft may have up to two hives; 10,000 sq ft to one acre up to four; over one acre up to five. A 6-foot flyway barrier is required near property lines and aggressive/Africanized bees are prohibited.

Key details: Under 10,000 sq ft: Max 2 hives. 10,000 sq ft to 1 acre: Max 4 hives. Over 1 acre: Max 5 hives. Flyway barrier: 6 ft within 25 ft of line. Aggressive/Africanized bees: Prohibited.

Exceeding hive counts, missing flyway barriers, or keeping aggressive bees are Title 6 violations subject to abatement and fines by Code Compliance/Animal Welfare.

Pet Limits

Residents of the Town of Castle Rock may own a maximum of three dogs per household under Municipal Code Title 6. Chickens and ducks are separately capped (eight, or twelve on lots over two acres). Dogs over six months must be licensed.

Key details: Max dogs per home: Three. Chickens/ducks (to 2 acres): Eight. Chickens/ducks (over 2 acres): Twelve. Dog license: Required over 6 months. HOA limits: May be stricter.

Owning more than three dogs, or unlicensed dogs, is a Title 6 violation subject to citation, fines, and potential removal of the excess animals.

The Bottom Line

Castle Rock's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Castle Rock is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Castle Rock's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.