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 Municipal Code § 14-134 through 14-135; Zoning Code § 146-1203, verified June 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 Municipal Code § 14-134 through 14-135; Zoning Code § 146-1203 |
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 Municipal Code § 14-134 through 14-135; Zoning Code § 146-1203).
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 Municipal Code § 14-134 through 14-135; Zoning Code § 146-1203. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Aurora Municipal Code § 14-134 through 14-135; Zoning Code § 146-1203 — 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
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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