Can I keep chickens in Aurora, CO?
Yes, with conditions — Aurora allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 6 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Aurora City Code § 14-134 (Keeping of chickens and domesticated ducks); § 14-135 (permit application), verified September 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop in rear yard; enclosed run of at least 6 sq ft; coop and run at least 15 ft from all property lines (waivable with neighbor consent); coop must be covered, ventilated; min 2 sq ft per bird; max 120 sq ft floor space |
| Code section | Aurora City Code § 14-134 (Keeping of chickens and domesticated ducks); § 14-135 (permit application) |
Aurora allows up to 6 hens on lots up to 20,000 sq ft or 8 hens on larger lots (no roosters), with a permit from the director of neighborhood services. Allowed only in single-family residential and agricultural/R-A zoning. The coop must be in the rear yard, set back at least 15 ft from all property lines.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Aurora?
Yes, with conditions — Aurora allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Aurora City Code § 14-134 (Keeping of chickens and domesticated ducks); § 14-135 (permit application)).
How many chickens can I keep in Aurora?
Up to 6 hens. Tiered by lot size: 6 up to 20,000 sq ft. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Aurora?
Yes — Aurora requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Aurora?
No — roosters are prohibited in Aurora.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Aurora?
15 feet minimum. Coop in rear yard; enclosed run of at least 6 sq ft; coop and run at least 15 ft from all property lines (waivable with neighbor consent); coop must be covered, ventilated; min 2 sq ft per bird; max 120 sq ft floor space
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Aurora?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Aurora's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Aurora?
Aurora City Code § 14-134 (Keeping of chickens and domesticated ducks); § 14-135 (permit application). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Aurora City Code § 14-134 (Keeping of chickens and domesticated ducks); § 14-135 (permit application) — read the official code
“Owners can have no more than 6 hens at any given time, unless the residential property exceeds 20,000 square feet, in which case 8 hens are allowed. Roosters are not permitted in the city.” source
“lots less than 20,000 square feet in size, up to six chickens; or ... no more than two ducks with no more than four chickens ... lots of 20,000 or more square feet in size, up to eight chickens” source
“The keeping of roosters is prohibited; only chicken hens or ducks are permitted.” source
“Neither the bird coop nor the outdoor enclosure may be located less than 15 feet from any property line of any abutting properties ... unless ... written consent” source
Last verified September 20, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
Reach people actively researching backyard chickens in their city. Founding sponsor slots now open.
Apply to become a sponsor →