Can I keep chickens in Thornton, CO?
Yes — Thornton allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with no permit required. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Thornton Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 (Animals), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | No |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Home slaughter | Not allowed |
| Coop rules | Single coop only; max 120 sq ft and 7 ft height; min 6 sq ft per chicken; fully enclosed and predator-resistant; yard must be fenced; chickens in coop from dusk until dawn; chickens in backyard only |
| Code section | Thornton Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 (Animals) |
Thornton allows up to 6 hens (no roosters) at single-family detached homes only — not townhomes, condos, duplexes, or manufactured home parks. No permit required. Coop must be in the backyard, set back at least 5 ft from side and rear property lines, and chickens must be in the coop from dusk to dawn. On-site butchering is prohibited.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Thornton?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Thornton (Thornton Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 (Animals)).
How many chickens can I keep in Thornton?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Thornton?
No — no permit is required for the base allowance in Thornton.
Are roosters allowed in Thornton?
No — roosters are prohibited in Thornton.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Thornton?
5 feet minimum. Single coop only; max 120 sq ft and 7 ft height; min 6 sq ft per chicken; fully enclosed and predator-resistant; yard must be fenced; chickens in coop from dusk until dawn; chickens in backyard only
Can I slaughter chickens at home in Thornton?
No — slaughter is not permitted under Thornton's code.
What law covers backyard chickens in Thornton?
Thornton Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 (Animals). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Thornton Code of Ordinances Ch. 6 (Animals) — read the official code
“Six chickens are allowed per single-family detached dwelling. Only chicken hens (female chickens) are allowed. Roosters (male chickens) are prohibited. Chicken coops cannot exceed 120 square feet or seven feet in height, and must be placed at least five feet from the side and rear property lines. A permit is not required. On-site butchering or slaughtering is prohibited.” 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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