Backyard Chickens in Aurora, Colorado

Can you keep chickens in Aurora?

Thinking about raising backyard hens in Aurora, Colorado? The Mile High City's eastern neighbor welcomes small flocks of egg-laying hens (and ducks) with a simple city permit — but keep the rooster crowing to yourself, since roosters are banned citywide. Here's exactly what Aurora's municipal code requires before you build that coop.

Yes – with conditions

Yes, backyard chickens are allowed in Aurora, Colorado. Under Aurora City Code § 14-134, in zoning districts where livestock is not otherwise allowed, the keeping of chicken hens and/or domesticated ducks is permitted on single-family residential properties, subject to a permit and specific standards. Roosters are strictly prohibited citywide: it is unlawful to keep a rooster on any single-family residential lot anywhere in the city (§ 14-134(f)). Homeowners associations may still prohibit chickens/ducks through their own covenants, conditions, and restrictions, regardless of the city ordinance (§ 14-134(e)).

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $40
Setback from property line: 15 ft.

Peggy knows Aurora

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Aurora's ordinance (§ 14-134) sets out detailed coop and management rules:

Flock size: On lots under 20,000 sq ft, up to 6 chickens (or 2 ducks with up to 4 chickens). On lots of 20,000+ sq ft, up to 8 chickens, or various duck/chicken combinations up to 4 ducks and 4 chickens.
Coop design: Must be a covered, predator-resistant bird coop located in the rear yard, enclosed by an opaque fence meeting city fence standards; at least 2 sq ft per bird; no more than 120 sq ft of floor space; properly ventilated and easy to clean; and adjoined by an outdoor enclosure of at least 16 sq ft with predator-proof fencing.
Setback: Neither the coop nor outdoor enclosure may be located less than 15 feet from any abutting property line unless the abutting neighbor(s) give written consent to a closer location.
Daily care: Birds must have coop and outdoor enclosure access during daylight hours and must be secured in the coop from dusk to dawn; they must be prevented from contact with wild waterfowl and from running at large.
Sanitation: Coops and enclosures must be kept neat, sanitary, and regularly cleaned to prevent odors or waste buildup.
Consent & permits: Renters must obtain written consent from the property owner as a condition of the permit; the permit terminates automatically if chicken/duck keeping is discontinued for 12 or more months.
HOAs: The city ordinance does not override any HOA covenant that separately prohibits keeping chickens or ducks.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Aurora

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 5b/6a (semi-arid high plains, Front Range)

Aurora sits at high elevation (~5,400 ft) on Colorado's Front Range, with a semi-arid climate featuring hot, sunny summers, cold winters, big day-to-night temperature swings, low humidity, and occasional heavy hail or snowstorms. Coops should be well-insulated for winter cold and equipped with shade and ventilation for intense summer sun and rapid temperature changes.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossumSkunkWeasel

Aurora's suburban/prairie edge habitat means backyard flocks face real predator pressure from coyotes, foxes, hawks (including red-tailed hawks), raccoons, and occasionally weasels or skunks, especially near open space, parks, or greenbelts. The city's own coop standards emphasizing a covered, predator-resistant coop and a securely fenced outdoor run reflect this risk, and flock owners are required to secure birds in the coop from dusk to dawn (§ 14-134(6)).

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds do best in Aurora's climate: Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Australorp, Orpington, and Chantecler are good choices due to their cold tolerance and calm temperament; small combs (like on Wyandottes and Chanteclers) help prevent frostbite in winter.

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Aurora

▸How many chickens can I keep in Aurora?

On standard residential lots under 20,000 square feet, you may keep up to 6 chicken hens. Larger lots of 20,000+ square feet may keep up to 8 chickens, per Aurora City Code § 14-134(a)(3).

▸Are roosters allowed in Aurora?

No. Aurora's code explicitly states it is unlawful to keep a rooster on any single-family residential lot anywhere in the city (§ 14-134(f)), and only chicken hens or ducks (not roosters) are permitted under the general keeping provisions (§ 14-134(a)(2)).

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Aurora?

Yes. You must obtain and maintain a permit from the city's Director of Housing and Community Services and pay a one-time $40 permit fee before keeping chickens or ducks on your property.

▸How far must my coop be from my property line?

The coop and outdoor enclosure must be at least 15 feet from any abutting property line, unless the neighboring property owner(s) give written consent to a closer placement.

▸Can my HOA still ban chickens even though the city allows them?

Yes. Aurora's ordinance explicitly states that nothing in the city code permits keeping chickens or ducks where prohibited by a homeowners association's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (§ 14-134(e)), so always check your HOA rules first.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Aurora or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 10, 2026.