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Planning commission backs ordinance to clarify rooster and small‑animal rules
Summary
The commission recommended approval of an ordinance to amend Chapter 26 to clarify limits on roosters and other small animals in residential and agricultural zones (up to one rooster on lots under 1 acre; up to three on lots 1 acre or larger) and to add related clarifications; the motion passed 5‑0.
The Wheat Ridge Planning Commission on Feb. 20 recommended approval of a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the city code to clarify rules on small animals, including roosters and swine.
Assistant City Manager Mary Anne Schilling told commissioners that City Council directed staff last year to prepare a package of code amendments following study sessions. Staff said the zoning code did not explicitly use the word "rooster," which had created confusion because poultry are permitted but the code did not differentiate roosters from hens. The proposed ordinance would explicitly allow up to one rooster per property in residential and agricultural zones under one acre, and up to three roosters per property in those zones of one acre or larger. Schilling said the changes are intended to add clarity rather than to broadly expand allowances.
Commissioners asked about noise mitigation and enforcement. Staff described crow collars as a commonly used mitigation tool and said community service officers respond to rooster‑related complaints in an iterative way similar to barking‑dog enforcement; staff said there is not a single one‑strike rule. Commissioners also asked whether existing owners would be grandfathered; staff said some properties with existing roosters may be allowed to maintain them but that substitution would not be authorized when an animal dies.
Commissioner Gravy moved to recommend approval of the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed 5‑0. Commissioners noted the city has limited acreage parcels larger than an acre so the allowance for multiple roosters would apply to very few parcels. Several commissioners voiced concerns about potential noise impacts while also recognizing the city’s historic urban‑agriculture roots and that council sought clarity in the code rather than an outright ban.
The recommendation sends the ordinance to City Council where it will be considered alongside related animal‑control updates to other chapters of the municipal code.
