Coop Ready Colorado Fort Collins
Allowed with a permit
Yes, with a permit. Fort Collins allows backyard hens, but you need a permit first.
The limit counts chicken and duck hens together. Abutting owners must be told in writing before a permit for more than 12. On lots with more than one dwelling, all adult residents and the owners must consent in writing.
Hen limit
8 under 1/2 acre; 12 up to 1 acre; +6 per extra 1/2 acre
Roosters
Banned
Permit
Yes: Humane Society permit with site inspection; $30 one-time coop license
Coop placement
Coop and run 15 ft from abutting property lines unless neighbors consent in writing
Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.
Read the official Fort Collins rules ↗ Checked October 2026.
Will your coop fit in Fort Collins?
Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Fort Collins rules above. Free, no account.
Backyard chicken questions in Fort Collins
How many chickens can I have in Fort Collins?
The hen limit in Fort Collins: 8 under 1/2 acre; 12 up to 1 acre; +6 per extra 1/2 acre.
Are roosters allowed in Fort Collins?
No. Fort Collins bans roosters on typical home lots.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Fort Collins?
Yes. You need humane Society permit with site inspection; $30 one-time coop license.
How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Fort Collins?
Where the coop can go in Fort Collins: coop and run 15 ft from abutting property lines unless neighbors consent in writing.
Can my HOA ban chickens if Fort Collins allows them?
Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.
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- Oregon chicken laws
- Texas chicken laws
- Washington chicken laws
See every city on Coop Ready → · Coop size calculator · Chicken laws study · Backyard chickens 101
Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Fort Collins before you build.
