Lakewood's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Lakewood, Ohio, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding wildlife (deer, raccoons, feral cats, waterfowl) is discouraged in Lakewood and can trigger nuisance citations under LCO 505 and 551. Bird feeders are allowed but must not create rodent conditions under the Property Maintenance Code.

Key details: Deer: ODNR discourages. Code: LCO 551. Bird Feeders: Allowed if clean. Park Rule: No feeding waterfowl.

Health nuisance: M3 up to 500 dollars first offense. Property Maintenance citation: 150 dollars per day until abated. ODNR deer feeding violation separate.

Pet Limits

Lakewood sets no flat numerical cap on dogs or cats per household. Instead, under Section 505.12 a court may limit the number of animals in a dwelling if it finds that an excessive number constitutes a nuisance.

Key details: Code Section: LCO Sec. 505.12. Fixed Pet Limit: None - case-by-case nuisance review. Kennel Setback: 30 ft from others' dwellings (Sec. 505.11(c)). Penalty: Minor misdemeanor.

Violation of the nuisance provisions in Section 505.12 is a minor misdemeanor; failure to abate by removing animals within ten days of notice subjects the owner to penalty.

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

Chickens & Livestock

Lakewood allows up to six female chickens (hens) by annual permit in R1 and R2 residential districts, with a citywide cap of 50 permits. Roosters, other game birds, and most livestock (goats, sheep, swine, etc.) are prohibited as 'dangerous animals' under Section 505.18.

Key details: Code Section: LCO Sec. 505.18(b)-(e). Max Hens: 6 per lot (hens only, no roosters). Permit Fee / Cap: $25 annual; citywide cap of 50 permits. Coop Setback: 3 ft from side/rear lines; 20 ft behind house. Banned Livestock: Goats, sheep, swine, horses, roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys.

Violation of Section 505.18 is a minor misdemeanor, with a separate offense deemed committed for each day a violation continues. A permit may be revoked by the Director of Public Safety for material noncompliance.

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.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping in Lakewood is permitted in residential zones with registration through the Ohio Department of Agriculture under ORC 909. Hives must be setback from property lines and not create a nuisance under LCO Chapter 505.

Key details: State Registration: ODA annual free. Setback: 10 feet recommended. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft fence or hedge. Code: ORC 909, LCO 505.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Breed Restrictions

As of April 2018 Lakewood repealed its pit-bull ban and no longer has any breed-specific legislation. All dogs are welcome, but Chapters 505 and 506 impose behavior- and bite-history-based classifications, and Section 505.18(b) still bans wolves and wolf hybrids.

Key details: Code Reference: Chapters 505 & 506 (rev. April 2018). Breed Ban: None - pit-bull ban repealed 4/2/2018. Basis: Behavior and bite history. Still Banned by Species: Wolves and wolf hybrids (Sec. 505.18(b)(30)).

Behavior-based violations are charged under Chapters 505 and 506; controlling, harboring, or failing to comply with a dangerous/vicious-dog designation carries the penalties set in Chapter 506. Keeping a prohibited wild canid under Section 505.18 is a minor misdemeanor.

Exotic Pets

Dangerous wild animals (big cats, bears, primates, venomous snakes, large constrictors) are banned in Lakewood under ORC 935. Common exotic pets (ferrets, reptiles under thresholds, parrots) are allowed under LCO 505.

Key details: State Law: ORC 935 DWA Act. Banned: Big cats, bears, primates. Snake Limit: 12 feet constrictors. Code: LCO 505.

ORC 935 violation: M1 up to 1,000 dollars first offense. Felony if animal escapes or injures someone. Animal seized and transferred to state facility.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dog Leash Laws

Lakewood requires all dogs to be leashed when off owner property under LCO 505.08 and ORC 955.22. Leash must be held by a competent person. Lakewood Park dog park is the only off-leash area.

Key details: Code: LCO 505.08. State Law: ORC 955.22. Off-Leash: Lakewood Dog Park only. License: County auditor annual.

Minor misdemeanor first offense: up to 150 dollars. Second offense within a year: M4 up to 250 dollars. Impoundment fees at Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter: approximately 35 dollars per day.

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.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 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.

These rules come from Lakewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.