Can I keep chickens in Arvada, CO?
Yes — Arvada allows backyard chickens, up to 5 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 35 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Arvada Code of Ordinances § 14-92 (Keeping livestock in specified zoning districts); Land Development Code § 5.2.9, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 35 ft |
| Coop rules | Coop at least 15 ft from all property lines; chickens not allowed within 35 ft of any dwelling unit; not within front setback; dead animals must be disposed of within 24 hours |
| Code section | Arvada Code of Ordinances § 14-92 (Keeping livestock in specified zoning districts); Land Development Code § 5.2.9 |
Arvada allows up to 5 hens (females only, no roosters) in any residential zoning district with no permit required. A dual setback applies: coops must be at least 15 ft from all property lines AND chickens must not be within 35 ft of any dwelling unit. Detailed keeping rules are in the Land Development Code § 5.2.9.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Arvada?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Arvada (Arvada Code of Ordinances § 14-92 (Keeping livestock in specified zoning districts); Land Development Code § 5.2.9).
How many chickens can I keep in Arvada?
Up to 5 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Arvada?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Arvada.
Are roosters allowed in Arvada?
No — roosters are prohibited in Arvada.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Arvada?
35 feet minimum. Coop at least 15 ft from all property lines; chickens not allowed within 35 ft of any dwelling unit; not within front setback; dead animals must be disposed of within 24 hours
What law covers backyard chickens in Arvada?
Arvada Code of Ordinances § 14-92 (Keeping livestock in specified zoning districts); Land Development Code § 5.2.9. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Arvada Code of Ordinances § 14-92 (Keeping livestock in specified zoning districts); Land Development Code § 5.2.9 — read the official code
“Livestock—Chickens and turkeys. In addition to being kept in the RA and RN-32.5 zoning districts, chickens and turkeys may be kept in any other zoning district.” source
“Livestock—Chickens and turkeys. In addition to being kept in the RA and RN-32.5 zoning districts, chickens and turkeys may be kept in any other zoning district.” source
“Maximum 5 allowed. Coop location: Coops must be at least 35 feet away from neighboring residential structures” source
“Number: Maximum 5 allowed. Coop location: Coops must be at least 15 feet away from property lines, and chickens are not allowed within 35 feet of any dwelling unit or within the front setback of the property. Permit required: No. Sex: Females chickens only.” source
Last verified June 13, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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