Colorado does not have a statewide acres per horse rule. The legal limit depends on your county zoning and your HOA… and those rules can change completely when you cross a county line.
Most counties use an Animal Unit system. In many places, one horse equals one Animal Unit, but the allowed Animal Units per acre vary widely depending on the county and the zoning district.
How Many Acres Per Horse Do I Need in My County?
Quick Summary: The Rules Vary by Zip Code
- There is no statewide limit: It depends on county zoning and HOA rules.
- Most counties use Animal Units: One horse typically equals one Animal Unit.
- A common baseline: Many residential zones use one horse per one half acre for zoning compliance.
- Verify before you buy: A five acre lot may allow unlimited horses in one county and be capped in another.
You found the perfect ten acre property with a barn, a view, and good grass. The only question is whether you can legally bring your six horses. In Colorado, the answer can change completely depending on which county the property sits in.
1. Douglas County (Parker, Castle Rock, Franktown)
Douglas County is the heart of Colorado horse country. The rules are clear and based on Animal Units and lot size.
- The rule: For many residential properties, a common standard is one Animal Unit per one half acre.
- Less than 2.3 acres: Horses are often restricted or require special approval.
- 9 to 35 acres: In many zones there is no limit on personal horses if the land is managed responsibly.
- Boarding: If you plan to board other horses, requirements increase. In many cases you need at least 4.5 acres to board even one outside horse.
Start Your Search: Browse Douglas County Horse Properties
2. Elbert County (Elizabeth, Kiowa)
Elbert County is known for agricultural roots and a wide open philosophy. It is often one of the most horse friendly counties in the state.
- Agricultural zones: If you have five acres or more in an agricultural zone, there is often no specific horse cap.
- Residential zones: In stricter residential zoning, a common standard is one Animal Unit per one half acre.
- The gold standard: Thirty five acre parcels usually provide the most freedom and flexibility.
Start Your Search: Browse Elbert County Horse Properties
3. Jefferson County (Golden, Evergreen, Conifer)
Jefferson County covers foothills and mountains. Terrain and water quality concerns make the rules more nuanced.
- Agricultural zones: In some cases five acres in A-1 or ten acres in A-2 can mean no specific horse limit.
- Residential zones: A common rule is four horses per acre, but additional open lot area requirements apply.
- Reality check: Zoning may allow density, but steep rocky terrain may make it impractical. Focus on usable acreage.
Start Your Search: Browse Jefferson County Horse Properties
4. Boulder County (Boulder, Longmont, Lyons)
Boulder County is known for strict land use codes, but it also has a strong equestrian community.
- Agricultural zone: Four Animal Units per acre.
- Rural residential and estate residential: Two Animal Units per acre.
- Practical math: On five acres in rural residential, you could theoretically keep ten horses if one horse equals one Animal Unit.
Start Your Search: Browse Boulder County Horse Properties
5. Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland)
Larimer County balances large rural zones with growing cities. Their rules are clear and include a hard cap for many lots.
- The rule: The total number of horses cannot exceed one horse per one half acre.
- Boarding limits: If you want to board horses, lots under ten acres are commonly limited to four boarded horses.
Start Your Search: Browse Larimer County Horse Properties
Search by County to Find Your Match
Knowing the rules is the first step. The next step is finding land that matches your herd size and your goals. Whether you need the flexibility of Elbert County or the convenience of Douglas County, we can help you find the right fit and verify the zoning before you commit.
Contact Us Today if you are unsure about the zoning on a specific property. We verify these codes daily.
Start Your Search by County: View All Available Listings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Acreage Limits
Does my barn count as open space for these calculations?
Generally no. Many zoning codes calculate limits using the gross acreage of the lot. Some residential codes require open lot area, which can exclude the footprint of the home and other structures. Verify the exact definition for your zoning district.
What happens if I have more horses than zoning allows?
You risk code enforcement. It usually starts with a warning but can escalate to fines and a court order to reduce animals. It is safer to buy the property that fits your herd rather than hoping enforcement never happens.
Can an HOA restrict me even if the county says yes?
Yes. HOA covenants override county rules if they are stricter. Even if a county allows unlimited horses, an HOA can legally restrict you to two. Always read the covenants before you buy.