Denver, CO Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing provision
- Denver Zoning Code Division 11.6
- Animal husbandry buffer
- 500 feet from Residential Zone Districts
- Marijuana cultivation
- must be fully enclosed structure
- Enforcing agency
- Denver Community Planning and Development
- Permitted husbandry zones
- I-MX, I-A, I-B, OS-B only
Summary
Denver's Zoning Code treats farming activities as Agricultural Primary Uses allowed only in specific zone districts, and requires Animal Husbandry and outdoor Plant Nursery operations to sit at least 500 feet from any Residential Zone District.
11.6.3.1 I-MX, I-A, I-B Zone Districts In the I-MX, I-A, I-B zone districts, where permitted with limitations, a Husbandry, Animal use shall be located at least 500 feet from a Residential Zone District. 11.6.3.2 OS-B Zone Districts In the OS-B zone district, where permitted with limitations, a Husbandry, Animal use is limited to the raising and/or grazing of livestock animals and any confinements for such animals, provided such use is located at least 500 feet from a Residential Zone District.
Full Breakdown
Division 11.6 of the Denver Zoning Code regulates Aquaculture, Urban Garden, Animal Husbandry, Plant Husbandry, and Plant Nursery as Agricultural Primary Uses. They aren't allowed citywide: Animal Husbandry is limited to the I-MX, I-A, I-B, and OS-B zone districts and must be located at least 500 feet from any Residential Zone District, and in OS-B it's restricted to raising or grazing livestock. Unenclosed Plant Nursery uses face the same 500-foot residential buffer in the I-A, I-B, OS-B, O-1, M-IMX, M-GMX, and DIA districts. Marijuana growing is classified as Plant Husbandry and must occur inside a completely enclosed structure. Community Planning and Development administers compliance through the zoning permit process.
Violations & Fines
Siting Animal Husbandry, an unenclosed Plant Nursery, or outdoor marijuana cultivation outside its permitted zone district or the 500-foot residential buffer is a zoning violation, enforceable by Denver Community Planning and Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep livestock anywhere in Denver?
Does Denver have a standalone right-to-farm law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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