Backyard Chickens in Denver, Colorado
Chickens are legal in Denver — here's exactly what the ordinance requires.
Quick legal answer
Are backyard chickens legal in Denver, Colorado?
Yes — subject to local rules
- Hen limit
- Up to 8 hens
- Roosters
- Not allowed
- Permit
- Required — $25 one-time food-producing animal permit fee listed by Denver Animal Protection
- Setback
- Check zoning and structure rules before building; Denver's food-producing animal materials include enclosure and predator-proofing expectations rather than a simple citywide backyard setback.
- Zoning
- Up to 8 hens, ducks, or a combination of hens and ducks are allowed with a Food-Producing Animal Permit; roosters and drakes are not allowed.
Last verified: May 2026
View Denver ordinance ↗Ordinances and zoning rules change. Confirm the current requirements with your municipality before buying birds or building a coop.
What the Denver Rules Say
Denver allows a small food-producing flock with a permit. Denver Animal Protection describes the Food-Producing Animals permit as a one-time permit for keeping up to 8 hens, ducks, or a combination of hens and ducks, not to exceed 8 birds total.
Roosters and drakes are not included in that allowance. Denver’s animal materials also point residents to care, enclosure, and zoning considerations before adding birds.
What This Means in Plain English
Backyard hens are possible in Denver, but they are not a casual no-paperwork project. Plan on applying for the city’s Food-Producing Animal Permit before bringing birds home. Keep the flock hen-only and stay at or below 8 total hens or ducks.
Because Denver separates animal permitting from zoning and structure requirements, treat coop placement as a second checkpoint. Before building, confirm whether your coop or run needs any zoning, building, or accessory-structure review.
Practical Considerations
Permits First
Use Denver Animal Protection’s food-producing animal permit process before buying chicks or building a permanent coop. Keep a copy of your permit with your household records.
No Roosters
Denver’s allowance is for hens and ducks, not roosters or drakes. Hens lay eggs without a rooster, so keep the flock female-only.
Coop Security
Denver’s food-producing animal materials emphasize safe, clean, predator-resistant enclosures. Plan for rodent-resistant feed storage, secure hardware cloth, dry bedding, and a cleaning routine that prevents odor.
Getting Started
- Confirm the current Denver Animal Protection food-producing animal permit requirements.
- Decide whether you are keeping hens, ducks, or a combination, staying at 8 total birds or fewer.
- Verify zoning, building, HOA, lease, and neighborhood restrictions before building.
- Design a secure, easy-to-clean coop and run.
- Keep roosters and drakes out of the flock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have chickens in Denver?
Yes. Denver allows up to 8 hens, ducks, or a combination of hens and ducks with the city food-producing animal permit.
Do I need a permit for backyard hens in Denver?
Yes. Denver Animal Protection lists a Food-Producing Animal Permit for hens and ducks.
Are roosters allowed in Denver?
No. The Denver food-producing animal allowance is for hens, not roosters.
Next Steps for Denver Chicken Keepers
Verification Notice
This page was last verified against Denver's municipal code in May 2026. Ordinances change — always confirm current rules with your local city clerk before purchasing birds or building a coop.
View Denver Municipal Code ↗Get Backyard Chicken Updates for Colorado
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