REGULATION OF ANIMALS - PIGEONS

Colorado Springs City Code ch. 6, art. 11

in effect

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.11.101 DEFINITIONS

6.11.101: DEFINITIONS: FANCY PIGEON: A pigeon which, through past breeding, has developed certain distinctive physical and performing characteristics as to be clearly identified and accepted by the national pigeon association, the American pigeon club, or the rare breeds pigeon club. Examples: fantails, pouters, trumpeters. LOFT: The structure(s) for the keeping or housing of pigeons permitted by this article. MATURE PIGEON: A pigeon aged six (6) months or older. OWNER: The owner of pigeons subject to this article. PIGEON: A member of the family Columbidae, and shall include "Racing Pigeons", "Fancy Pigeons" and "Sporting Pigeons" as defined in this section. RACING PIGEON: A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the distinctive physical and mental characteristics as to enable it to return to its home after having been released a considerable distance therefrom, and which is accepted by the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc., or the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers. Also, commonly known as racing homer, homing pigeon, or carrier pigeon. SPORTING PIGEON: A pigeon which, through selective past breeding, has developed the ability to fly in a distinctive manner, such as aerial acrobatics or endurance flying. Examples: rollers, tipplers. (Ord. 97-168; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.11.102 CONDITIONS

6.11.102: CONDITIONS: The keeping, breeding, maintenance and flying of pigeons shall be permitted on the following conditions: A. The loft shall be of a sufficient size and design and constructed of material that can be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. B. There shall be at least one square foot of floor space in any loft for each mature pigeon kept in the loft. C. There shall be only one loft per twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of real property. D. There shall be no more than thirty (30) breeding pair of pigeons and twenty (20) pair on a racing team at any loft. E. The construction and location of the loft shall not conflict with the requirements of any Building Code or Zoning Code of the City. F. All feed for pigeons shall be stored in containers as to protect against intrusion by rodents and other vermin. G. The loft shall be maintained in a sanitary condition and in compliance with all applicable health regulations of the City. H. All pigeons shall be confined to the loft, except for limited periods necessary for exercise, training and competition; and at no time shall pigeons be allowed to perch or linger on the buildings or property of others. I. All pigeons shall be fed within the confines of the loft. J. No one shall release pigeons to fly for exercise, training or competition except in compliance with the following rules: 1. The owner of the pigeons must be a member in good standing of an organized pigeon club, such as the American Racing Pigeon Union, Inc., the International Federation of Racing Pigeon Fanciers, the National Pigeon Association, the American Tippler Society, the International Roller Association, the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club, or a local club which has rules that will help preserve the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood. 2. Pigeons will not be released for flying which have been fed within the previous four (4) hours. K. Pigeons shall be banded and registered with one of the national pigeon associations/registries. (Ord. 97-168; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.11.103 PERMIT

6.11.103: PERMIT: On application signed by the owner, on the form as shall be provided by the Humane Society, wherein the owner shall certify that the owner's loft(s) comply with applicable Building and Zoning Codes, and upon payment of a fee of seventy five dollars ($75.00), a permit shall be issued to the owner, which shall remain in full force and effect unless suspended or revoked, or unless the use of the loft be discontinued for a period of one year. (Ord. 97-168; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 20-71 1 ) Notes 1 | 1. January 1, 2021 is the effective date of Ordinance 20-71.

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.11.104 RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR INSPECTION

6.11.104: RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR INSPECTION: The animal control officer may enter and inspect any property or loft at any reasonable time for the purpose of investigating either an actual or suspected violation or to ascertain compliance with this article. (Ord. 97-168; Ord. 01-42)

Colorado Springs City Code § 6.11.105 VIOLATION AND PENALTIES

6.11.105: VIOLATION AND PENALTIES: When the animal control officer finds a violation to have occurred, the officer shall give written notice thereof to the owner. If the violation is not remedied within ten (10) days, the animal control officer may issue a citation to appear in Municipal Court to answer the charges. Any owner found violating any of the provisions of this article shall upon conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00). Three (3) convictions within eighteen (18) months shall result in the revocation of the permit. (Ord. 97-168; Ord. 01-42)

Source: City of Colorado Springs, Colorado, City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-7268Fetched: 11/1/2026