Rules and Regulations Lakewood Colorado,

[lauraleach]

My husband and I just acquired 4 chickens (Hens) this past Monday, we have a neighbor who is pretty disgruntled and called code enforcement on us, they are saying we can't have these chickens in our yard, we were just wondering if anyone has any ideas or knowledge of guidlines / rules/ regulations for the town of Lakewood , Colorado , any ideas or tips would help tremendously , as we would hate to part with them, they all already have names

we have them clearly for egg laying, there is nothing like a fresh egg
Help would greatly be appreciated
Laura

 

[jadeybaby70]

We lived in CO for a long tim and still own a house there but it's farther up North. I have done quite a bit of research about the laws in CO but I am unsure about Lakewood. There is a great topic here on the forum called chicken LORE (laws, ordinances etc..) but I don't know if you will find anything there. I would look up your specific city website and you'll have to do some searching but I'm sure it will be worth it. You could always call your local animal control and ask them. They should know the laws or know where to direct you at least. I wish you the very best!

 

[lauraleach]

Jadeybaby, Thank you very much for the tips, the funny thing is my husband has done some research and there is no clear explanation, everyone you talk to at Lakewood code enforcement and such has a different answer, we are definitely not giving up on this one, I was attached the minute we brought them home, we are no where near ending the fight

 

[wizgirl]

Hi Laura, I'm guessing you've already gotten an answer, but just in case...

I also live in Lakewood and was planning to get chickens this summer. I was able to find out that I live in a R-2 zoned area, chickens are not allowed here yet. The city is currently working to re-zone and allow more urban agriculture.

You can find the permitted land uses here:
http://www.lakewood.org/PPW/PDA/docs/zoning/Article05.pdf

You can figure out what zone you are in here:
http://maps.lakewood.org/default.aspx?ShowLayer=Zoning

You can find a recap of the most recent rezoning meeting and also take a survey regarding the rezoning here:
http://www.lakewood.org/PlayYourPart/recap.html

The proposed rezoning would allow these food producing animals in R-2 zones:
-4 female chickens/ducks
-3 dwarf goats
-1 beehive per 6,000 sq. ft.

Hope you were successful keeping your chickens! I can't wait until I can get some next summer!

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

Welcome to both of you! lauraleach and wizgirl!

wizgirl that was so nice of you to look that up and post links! i think you should get the most helpfull newby award..if there was one

Sounds like you 2 should get together and get some petitions going.

 

[lauraleach]

Thanks wizgirl, we are zoned PD planned development and are not allowed either , my husband did do some research and they are also talking of re zoning our area , we had them for 10 days and fortunately the man we got them off of took them back for us so we will be definitely going back to him when we are able to have them. They were a lot of fun to have around and their eggs were incredible, we did go to the website play your part and added our input , the people at planning and development were very helpful to my husband



Thanks for your input I can't wait to get the girls back

 

[sseverns]

I found a link for the proposed zoning changes for Lakewood, CO. They are dated April 2011. Hope this helps anyone interested.

http://www.lakewood.org/uploadedFiles/Departments/City_Managers_Office/Sustainability_(move_elsewhere)/Economic_Vitality/Lakewood%20Local%20Food%20Zoning.pdf

 

[RussDee]

I looked up Lakewood.org and you will have to download the rules. Basically 4 hens no roosters.

 

[PatShea]

Thank you !!! For all the info and websites , they were very helpful. We are allowed Chickens !!!
We had Chickens before but we had to give the back , they were only a couple of months old than , it broke our hearts to see them go .

 

[Xmascowboy]

I am posting the actual facts as the thread seems to be inaccurate as it generalizes you can have chickens, in Lakewood and thats not the case, if you don't research your property first and you can meet the rules then you are golden as there are restrictions.

You need to go to the zoning map and put in your address
Click here.
http://www.lakewood.org/WhatsMyZoning/

Then with your zone go to the actual ordinance here:

http://www.lakewood.org/Documents/Planning/P-DA/Zoning_Ordinance/ZoningOrdinance-FullVersion.aspx

This is the 2012 Lakewood Ordinance

In section 4.9 and below it describes uses of land, and small animals.
It also shows you all the restrictions and rules.
By the way you may want to read what is the definition of small animals as there is specific info there.

We live in a R-1-6 zone. We can have 4 hens . However , the property and fence and coop must meet the rules so take a look. I will let you do that on your own... Currently our property could comply, but there is one issue in the rules that is going to be an issue if i allow the chickies to roam in the back yard.

Good luck.