How Westminster Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Westminster maintains 101 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Westminster falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Chickens & Livestock

Westminster may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.

Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 8 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Livestock: Agricultural zones. HOA: Often prohibits all.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Wildlife Feeding

Westminster restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.

Key details: Prohibited: Deer, coyotes, bears. Bird Feeders: May be restricted. Pet Food: Must not be left outside. Fines: $50 to $500.

Warnings for first offense. Fines typically $50 to $500. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges in some jurisdictions.

Dog Leash Laws

Westminster requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required. CRS §18-9-202 covers dogs at large.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. Off-Leash: Designated parks only. License: Required + rabies. State Law: CRS §18-9-202.

Off-leash: $50 to $250. At-large: impound fees + citation. Unlicensed: $50 to $200. Waste: $50 to $250.

Breed Restrictions

Colorado has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities had pit bull bans (Denver repealed 2020, Aurora repealed 2021). Check Westminster ordinance.

Key details: State Preemption: None - cities decide. Trend: Toward repeal. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based (CRS). HOA: May have breed rules.

Breed ban violations: impoundment and fines per city ordinance. Dangerous dog violations: escalating penalties.

Beekeeping

Westminster may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Colorado Bee Act (CRS §35-80-101) requires apiary registration.

Key details: Hives: Check city limits (2 to 4 typical). Registration: CDA apiary registration. Setbacks: Per city code. State Law: CRS §35-80-101.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: fines. Unregistered apiary: state-level penalty.

Exotic Pets

Westminster restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.

Key details: Large Cats: Generally prohibited. Primates: Generally prohibited. Permits: Required for some species. Insurance: May be required.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Westminster actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

The Bottom Line

Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Westminster's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.