Backyard Chickens in Westminster, Colorado

Can you keep chickens in Westminster?

Thinking about keeping backyard hens in Westminster, Colorado? The city permits egg-laying hens on single-family properties with an approved permit, but roosters, unpermitted flocks, and oversized coops are strictly off-limits. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the actual Westminster Municipal Code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Westminster allows hens on single-family detached residential lots, but only with an approved city permit. Per Westminster Municipal Code (W.M.C.) 6-7-12(I), it is unlawful to possess or keep chickens unless the owner complies with the permit and housing requirements. Only hens (female chickens) are permitted — roosters are banned. The number of hens allowed is tiered based on lot size, ranging from 6 hens on lots of 1/4 acre or less up to 30 hens on lots of 2 acres or more.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 6
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $25
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Westminster

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Chickens must be kept on a single-family detached lot with an existing residence, and only hens are permitted (roosters are prohibited). Key requirements include:

Chickens must be kept in the rear yard, and the rear yard must be fully screened by a privacy fence at least 6 feet tall enclosing the coop area (except for lots adjoining city-owned open space).
Chickens must be confined to the coop from dusk to dawn; they may free-range in the enclosed rear yard from dawn to dusk if flighted/rendered unable to fly.
Coops require 6 square feet of floor space per chicken, but may not exceed a maximum gross floor area of 180 square feet, and may not exceed 6 feet in height.
Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from all side and rear property lines, and only one coop is allowed per rear yard.
Excrement must be disposed of properly to control flies, insects, odor, and disease; a fresh water supply must be available in the rear yard; feed must be stored in a re-sealable, vermin-proof container.
Onsite slaughtering is only permitted indoors, and only for chickens legally kept on that property; outdoor slaughtering is prohibited.
Maximum hens by lot size: 1/4 acre or less – 6 hens; 1/4 to 1/2 acre – 12 hens; 1/2 to 3/4 acre – 18 hens; 3/4 acre to 2 acres – 24 hens; 2 acres or more – 30 hens.
HOA covenants may still separately restrict or prohibit chicken-keeping even where the city permits it.

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Westminster

🌡️ Climate

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

Westminster sits at roughly 5,400 feet elevation along Colorado's Front Range, with a semi-arid climate featuring hot, dry summers, cold winters, and large daily temperature swings. Snow, hail, and strong wind events can occur, so coops should provide solid wind-blocking walls, insulation or deep litter for winter, and good ventilation/shade for summer heat.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSkunkWeasel

Westminster's proximity to open space and greenbelt trails means backyard flocks can attract raccoons, foxes, coyotes, hawks, skunks, and weasels. The city's ordinance specifically requires coops and enclosures to be predator-proof, with a 6-foot privacy fence surrounding the coop area to help contain birds and exclude ground predators.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Wyandotte, Orpington (cold-hardy, dual-purpose breeds that tolerate Colorado's temperature swings and high-altitude sun exposure)

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

Questions people ask about Westminster

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

Yes. It is unlawful to keep chickens in Westminster without an approved permit from the city, issued for a one-time $25 fee. Applications are submitted to the Westminster Police Department's Animal Management unit and include a required site plan.

▸How many chickens can I keep in Westminster?

The maximum number of hens depends on lot size: 6 hens on 1/4 acre or less, 12 hens on 1/4-1/2 acre, 18 hens on 1/2-3/4 acre, 24 hens on 3/4 acre-2 acres, and 30 hens on lots of 2 acres or more.

▸Are roosters allowed in Westminster?

No. Only hens (female chickens) are permitted under the city code; roosters are not allowed.

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

Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from all side and rear property lines, located in the rear yard, and enclosed by a privacy fence at least 6 feet tall.

▸Can my HOA still stop me from keeping chickens even if the city allows it?

Yes. Homeowners Associations may restrict or prohibit chicken-keeping through their covenants even though the city permits it, so residents in covenant-controlled communities should check their HOA rules first.

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