Can I keep chickens in Fort Collins, CO?
Yes — Fort Collins allows backyard chickens, up to 6 hens with a required permit/registration. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Fort Collins Municipal Code § 4-117, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 6 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes ($30) |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Covered predator-resistant poultry house; properly ventilated; minimum 4 sq ft per hen; enclosed outdoor area during daylight; closed in coop from dusk to dawn; inspected by NOCO Humane Society |
| Code section | Fort Collins Municipal Code § 4-117 |
Fort Collins allows up to 6 hens (no roosters, no mallard ducks) with a $30 one-time license through NOCO Humane, which also conducts a coop inspection. The coop must be predator-resistant with at least 4 sq ft per bird and set back 15 ft from all property lines. Chickens must have outdoor access during the day and be secured at night.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Fort Collins?
Yes — chickens are allowed in Fort Collins (Fort Collins Municipal Code § 4-117).
How many chickens can I keep in Fort Collins?
Up to 6 hens.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Fort Collins?
Yes — Fort Collins requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens (fee: $30).
Are roosters allowed in Fort Collins?
No — roosters are prohibited in Fort Collins.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Fort Collins?
15 feet minimum. Covered predator-resistant poultry house; properly ventilated; minimum 4 sq ft per hen; enclosed outdoor area during daylight; closed in coop from dusk to dawn; inspected by NOCO Humane Society
What law covers backyard chickens in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins Municipal Code § 4-117. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Fort Collins Municipal Code § 4-117 — read the official code
“A one-time fee of $30 provides the required license for chicken and duck coops; Neither the poultry house nor the outdoor enclosure may be located less than fifteen (15) feet from any abutting property line” 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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