Can I keep chickens in Denver, CO?
Yes — Denver allows backyard chickens, up to 8 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Denver Municipal Code § 8-91; Zoning Code § 11.8.5, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 8 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($25) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Coop and run must be in rear half of lot; 16 sq ft of permeable space per bird required; 4 solid walls and solid roof for nighttime enclosure; daytime shelter needs at least 3 solid walls and solid roof; zoning permit required for coop construction |
| Code section | Denver Municipal Code § 8-91; Zoning Code § 11.8.5 |
Denver allows up to 8 hens (no roosters) with a $25 one-time Food Producing Animal permit tied to the address. The coop must be in the rear half of the lot, at least 15 feet from any dwelling unit, with 16 sq ft of permeable outdoor space per bird. On-site slaughter is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Denver?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Denver (Denver Municipal Code § 8-91; Zoning Code § 11.8.5).
How many chickens can I keep in Denver?
Up to 8 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Denver?
Yes — Denver requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $25).
Are roosters allowed in Denver?
No — roosters are prohibited in Denver.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Denver?
15 feet minimum. Coop and run must be in rear half of lot; 16 sq ft of permeable space per bird required; 4 solid walls and solid roof for nighttime enclosure; daytime shelter needs at least 3 solid walls and solid roof; zoning permit required for coop construction
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Denver?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Denver's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Denver?
Denver Municipal Code § 8-91; Zoning Code § 11.8.5. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Denver Municipal Code § 8-91; Zoning Code § 11.8.5 — read the official code
“APPLICATION FOR FOOD PRODUCING ANIMAL PERMIT - $25” 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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