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1. What types of animals can I keep on my property?

Please reference the Domestic Animals Permitted by Zoning table. For more detailed information, you may see the Large Animal Regulations and Resources guide. You can find the zoning of your property by following this link.

2. How many pets am I permitted to have on my property?

In residential zone districts, a maximum combined total of three (3) domesticated pets may be kept. Domesticated pets include but are not limited to cats, dogs, potbelly pigs or similar domesticated animal. Please reference the Domestic Animals Permitted by Zoning table.

3. Are horses allowed?

See the Zoning Resolution under the zone district for exact specifications. Some zonings allow for horses if certain conditions are met. All zonings allow for a specific number of pets. Please refer to the Domestic Animals Permitted By Zoning guide and the Large Animal Regulations and Resources guide for more information. We strongly encourage residents to check with their Home Owner Associations before keeping these animals, as each Association may have covenants or restrictions beyond those of the County. 

4. My property is served by an individual well. Can I still have large animals on my property?

If a well supplies a property with water and the owner wishes to keep large animals, an appropriate well permit that allows for the watering of large animals is required. If the permit does not allow the watering of animals, water will need to be obtained through a different source. Visit the Colorado Division of Water Resources Well Permitting web page for more information.

5. Where can I keep manure on my property?

Manure shall not be permitted within 100 feet of the front property line and shall conform to the side and rear setbacks requirements for a dwelling. In Agricultural Zone Districts, side and rear setbacks for manure piles are 50 feet from the property line.

6. Can I raise backyard chickens, ducks or bees?

This depends on the zoning of your property. Many of our residential zone districts allow backyard poultry and honeybees to be kept on property with a Miscellaneous Permit, but may limit the size of the coop, the number of animals, or the number of hives. Agricultural zone districts allow for the keeping of poultry and bees without limitations. Please visit the Jefferson County Interactive Zoning Map to determine your zone district, and refer to the Domestic Animals Permitted By Zoning guide (PDF) for more information. We strongly encourage residents to check with their Home Owner Associations before keeping these animals, as each Association may have covenants or restrictions beyond those of the County. Helpful guides are available for owners wanting to raise chickens, ducks or bees in their backyard and for property owners living next to them.

7. How many chickens or ducks can I keep on my residential property?

The maximum combined total number which may be kept is six (6).

8. Does the State of Colorado have any animal or livestock regulations?

The State of Colorado has many animal and livestock regulations. For more information contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Division.