In a 9-0 vote, City Council approved at the Feb. 2 Council meeting a new pilot program to permit miniature goats on residential properties. The pilot program will be for a two-year period, with 10 permits offered through a lottery. The terms of the program include: 

• Only disbudded female miniature goats will be allows (24.5-inches tall at withers)
• No more or less than two (2) goats per property
• Goats would be considered household pets and count towards the maximum of four (4) allowed per property
• Rabies vaccination would be required
• No on-site breeding or slaughter
• Only allowed on single-family detached properties with landowner permission
• Permits required [inspections, test on goat care, waste management plan approved, fee of $100 to cover the permit review, test and two inspections, and periodic inspections by community services officers (CSOs)]

To address resident concerns, there will be restrictions and regulations for pens. A minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet will be required. 

Brighton Police Department’s Community Service Officer (CSO) Division will enforce the pilot program. 

Back in the summer of 2020, City staff conducted a community survey on goats that sought input from the Brighton community. Many of the public concerns from the survey were taken into account in developing this program.

Interested participants in the pilot program will be required to enter the lottery by Feb. 28 on the City’s Goat Keeping Pilot Program web page www.brightonco.gov/goats. This web page also has a goat keeping educational document for reference. The lottery drawing will take place on March 2 at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on the City's Facebook page. 

Extension of the program will require action by City Council.    

If you have questions, please contact Shannon McDowell, City of Brighton Long Range Planner, smcdowell@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2015.