Littleton's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Littleton, Colorado, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Chickens & Livestock

Littleton allows backyard chickens and beekeeping in residential areas under the ULUC. The city already permitted these uses prior to the 2024 Arapahoe County unincorporated area regulations. Specific limits on hen counts, coop requirements, and beehive numbers apply by zone district.

Key details: Chickens: Hens allowed, no roosters. Beekeeping: Permitted by lot size. Coop Permit: If over 120 sq ft. Code: Title 10 ULUC.

Exceeding animal limits: code enforcement action. Nuisance complaints (odor, noise): citation and required corrective action. Keeping prohibited animals: removal order.

Breed Restrictions

Littleton does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL). There are no bans on pit bulls or other specific breeds. Colorado SB 04-079 partially preempts breed-based insurance discrimination. Dangerous dog designations are based on individual animal behavior, not breed.

Key details: Breed Ban: None. Pit Bulls: Allowed. Dangerous Dog: Behavior-based process. State Law: SB 04-079 partial preemption.

No breed-related violations. Dangerous dog behavior: enhanced penalties, mandatory confinement, potential euthanasia for vicious dogs.

Littleton is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Littleton requires dogs on leash in all public areas under Title 6, Chapter 2. The South Platte River Trail and High Line Canal Trail through Littleton require leash compliance. Off-leash exercise is permitted only at designated city dog parks.

Key details: Leash: Required in all public areas. Off-Leash: City dog parks only. License: Not required by city. Trails: South Platte, High Line Canal.

Dog at large: impoundment and owner fines. Unlicensed dog: citation. Aggressive dog: enhanced penalties.

Beekeeping

Littleton permits residential beekeeping under the ULUC (Title 10). Colony limits are based on lot size. The city was among Arapahoe County municipalities that allowed beekeeping prior to the county's 2024 unincorporated area regulations. Registration with the Colorado Department of Agriculture is recommended.

Key details: Beekeeping: Permitted in residential. Colonies: Varies by lot size. Flyway: Barriers recommended. Code: Title 10 ULUC.

Exceeding colony limits: code enforcement. Nuisance from bees (swarming, stinging): abatement may be required.

Littleton is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Littleton gives residents more room on animal ordinances. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Littleton's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.