How Lakewood Handles Animal Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Lakewood maintains 39 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with animal ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Beekeeping

Lakewood allows beekeeping in residential areas with conditions including setbacks, hive limits, and water source requirements.

Key details: Residential: Allowed with conditions. Setback: From property lines. Water Source: Required. Registration: CO Dept. of Agriculture (voluntary).

Nuisance complaints may result in enforcement action. Hives causing problems may need relocation.

Exotic Pets

Lakewood restricts exotic animal ownership. Wild and dangerous animals are prohibited as pets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulates certain species.

Key details: Prohibited: Large cats, primates, bears, wolves. State Permits: CPW for certain species. Small Exotics: Hedgehogs, ferrets generally allowed. Liability: Owner responsible for escapes.

Keeping prohibited animals results in confiscation, fines, and potential criminal charges.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lakewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Chickens & Livestock

Lakewood may allow backyard chickens with limits. Roosters typically banned in residential areas. Livestock requires agricultural zoning or minimum lot size.

Key details: Hens: Typically 4 to 8 allowed. Roosters: Usually prohibited. Livestock: Agricultural zones. HOA: Often prohibits all.

Unauthorized livestock: removal order. Nuisance: $100 to $500. Roosters in prohibited areas: immediate removal.

Breed Restrictions

Lakewood does not have breed-specific legislation. No breeds are banned. Dogs are classified as dangerous based on individual behavior.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: CO preempts breed-specific bans. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based classification. Requirements: Containment, insurance for dangerous dogs.

Dangerous dog owners face fines for non-compliance. Dogs may be seized in severe cases.

Lakewood is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Dog Leash Laws

Lakewood requires dogs to be on a leash when off the owner's property. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks.

Key details: Leash: Required off owner's property. Off-Leash: Designated dog parks only. Cleanup: Required in public areas. Dog Park: William F. Hayden Park and others.

At-large violations result in fines and impoundment fees. Owners of aggressive dogs face enhanced penalties.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on dog leash laws. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.