Can I keep chickens in Lakewood, CO?
Yes, with conditions — Lakewood allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations. Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 15 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.4.3.1.D, verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Coop setback | 15 ft |
| Coop rules | Zone-dependent: R-1-43/R-1-18/R-1-12/R-1-9 — coop must be behind primary structure and 15 ft from property lines, max 1 hen per 4 sq ft of coop area; R-1-6/R-2 — permit required, max 6 hens, min 6 sq ft per bird, coop max 40 sq ft and 10 ft height, 5 ft setback; all zones chickens must be kept in coop or fenced area |
| Code section | Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.4.3.1.D |
Lakewood permits backyard hens in several residential zones with different rules per zone. In R-1-43 through R-1-9, the limit is 1 hen per 4 sq ft of coop area with no permit; in R-1-6 and R-2, a permit is required with a maximum of 6 hens. No roosters in any zone.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Lakewood?
Yes, with conditions — Lakewood allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.4.3.1.D).
How many chickens can I keep in Lakewood?
It depends on your lot. R-1-43/R-1-18/R-1-12/R-1-9: 1 hen per 4 sq ft of coop area; R-1-6/R-2: max 6 hens with permit required. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Are roosters allowed in Lakewood?
No — roosters are prohibited in Lakewood.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Lakewood?
15 feet minimum. Zone-dependent: R-1-43/R-1-18/R-1-12/R-1-9 — coop must be behind primary structure and 15 ft from property lines, max 1 hen per 4 sq ft of coop area; R-1-6/R-2 — permit required, max 6 hens, min 6 sq ft per bird, coop max 40 sq ft and 10 ft height, 5 ft setback; all zones chickens must be kept in coop or fenced area
What law covers backyard chickens in Lakewood?
Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.4.3.1.D. Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.4.3.1.D — read the official code
“R-1-43/R-1-18/R-1-12/R-1-9: No permit required; Coop must be 15 feet from all property lines; Maximum of 1 bird per 4 square feet in coop area. R-1-6/R-2: Permit required; Maximum 6 hens per property; Minimum of 6 square feet living space per bird; Maximum 40 square feet and 10 feet in height” 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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