Coop Building in Colorado Springs

[BokerTov]

Hello,

I've been trying to contact the city of Colorado Springs to get information on if there are any restrictions in the building code for a chicken coop. I was able to use BYC's forum to find this page:

https://coloradosprings.gov/page/city-regulations-animals

And the city code at this link:

https://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=855

but neither of these mention regulations on the coop for the chicken. I'm wanting to know if there are limitations on height, how close it can be to a fence, if it needs to be built 2x4s with 16 inch center, or if I can get away with 24 on center, etc. I have tried leaving messages with everyone who will answer my call but no one has called me back in a week so I was wondering if someone else already has this information.

Thank you for your help.

 

[PirateGirl]

Try looking for the legislation regarding building a shed or accessory structure instead.

 

[PirateGirl]

It might be in this section here...

7.3.104

 

[BokerTov]

It might be in this section here...

7.3.104

Oh Snap, yes, I think this part answers two of my three main questions:

c. Accessory structures/uses of one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less in gross floor area are allowed anywhere in the rear yard setback so long as the structure does not encroach into any recorded easements, unless an easement encroachment has been granted by the City;

(A) Shall not exceed eight feet (8') at the highest point if located within the required setbacks for the zone.

Thank you!

 

[PirateGirl]

Oh Snap, yes, I think this part answers two of my three main questions:

c. Accessory structures/uses of one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less in gross floor area are allowed anywhere in the rear yard setback so long as the structure does not encroach into any recorded easements, unless an easement encroachment has been granted by the City;

(A) Shall not exceed eight feet (8') at the highest point if located within the required setbacks for the zone.

Thank you!

Yes. I found that sometimes the rules for a chicken coop are the same as any other structure in terms of setbacks and things because our coops are often as large as a shed. Glad this helps.

 

[ScottKelly1974]

This is my chicken coop. It is open to the surrounding ground. The local animal control came out and looked at my set up. They said it was the best set up they've seen and prefer mine to any of the others.
My set up is quite easy. It is an enclosed area, where dogs and cat, including the local bobcat, cannot get in. The top is covered with fencing wires you can buy at any hardware store. This keeps the hawks out. The sleeping area is made of 2x4 and 1" square poles as the frame. The covering is made of metal sheet roofing. It has resisted the heavy snow, hail, and rain for the three years I've been using it. The bottom is open for them to go as they wish. I've also made a similar thing for the nest boxes, food and water. As long at the predators can not get in, there is no need to lock up the sleeping coop at night.
The entire enclosure is 25 feet long and 16 feet wide with access to an area under a deck. It is high enough for me to walk in with plenty of head room. in the summer the grape vine can grow across the top keeping the chickens from getting at the grapes as they grow.
The advantages to this set up allows the chickens to sun bath, dust bath whenever they want. The snow and rain will keep the poop washed out. I only have to rake out the covered areas and then I can use the poop for fertilizer.