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Thornton Chicken Laws

Are chickens allowed in Thornton?Yes
How many chickens can you have?4
Can you have roosters in Thornton?No
Chicken coop placement rules:Coops 15 feet from other homes, 5 feet from property lines, and situated in the backyard.
Application process:Permit required
More information:Thornton municipal code

Thornton allows a small backyard flock to nearly any resident.

In Thornton, Colorado, the guidelines for maintaining backyard chickens are as follows.

  • Allowed chickens. Homeowners can keep up to four chickens on their property.
  • Rooster restrictions. Roosters are not allowed, primarily to minimize noise disturbances.
  • Coop location and size. Chicken coops must be situated in the rear yard and kept at least 15 feet away from adjacent residential structures. Additionally, coops should be no closer than 5 feet to any side or rear property lines.
  • Cleanliness and maintenance of coops. It is essential to keep chicken coops clean, dry, and well-ventilated to avoid potential health hazards and nuisances, such as foul odors or pests.
  • Licensing and permits. A permit is required for keeping backyard chickens in Thornton. The permit application process involves submitting an application and paying a fee.
  • Compliance with health and safety regulations. Backyard chicken owners need to adhere to health and safety regulations, which include rules for selling eggs or meat.

To ensure adherence to local laws, always consult the most recent guidelines and contact the relevant authorities in Thornton, Colorado, about backyard chicken keeping.

See other Colorado chicken ordinances.

Last updated: 4/26/24