Lakewood's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, there are 4 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.

Smoke Detectors

Every licensed short-term rental in Lakewood must have operable smoke detectors in each sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area, plus a fire extinguisher per floor and carbon monoxide detectors, under Municipal Code § 5.55.050(C). An Inspector must verify compliance before the City issues the STR license.

Key details: Governing section: Lakewood Municipal Code § 5.55.050(C). Smoke detectors: Each sleeping room + outside each sleeping area. Reference code: 2021 IRC § R314.3. Fire extinguisher: 1 minimum per floor. Inspection: Certified Inspector, before initial license.

Under § 5.55.070(A)(4), outstanding official orders from West Metro Fire, which would include an unresolved smoke-detector deficiency, are independent grounds for the Licensing Authority to issue an Order to Show Cause why the STR license should be suspended, revoked, or not renewed. Section 5.55.120 makes any violation of Chapter 5.55 unlawful and subjects the offender to the Municipal Code's general penalty at § 1.16.020 (fine up to $2,650.00, up to 365 days imprisonment, or both), with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation; the City Attorney may also pursue civil nuisance-abatement or injunctive relief. An owner can appeal a denial, suspension or revocation to the Lodging Facility Licensing Authority under §§ 5.55.080 and 5.55.070(B), which also lets the Authority summarily suspend a license on probable cause that a licensee has deliberately violated the Chapter.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

When Lakewood, Colorado's City Manager declares a Stage I fire restriction, portable outdoor fireplaces and contained recreational fires stay legal only if kept at least 30 feet from an undeveloped area, per Municipal Code § 9.39.050.

Key details: Setback (Stage I): 30 feet from undeveloped area. Recreational fire max size: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height. Stage II ban: No recreational fires at all. Declared by: City Manager or designee.

Operating a fire pit or recreational fire in violation of a declared Stage I setback or a Stage II ban is a municipal offense subject to the general penalty: up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 365 days imprisonment (Lakewood Municipal Code § 1.16.020(A)).

Outdoor Burning

In Lakewood, Colorado, burning rubbish or debris is always unlawful, and any Open Burning larger than a recreational fire requires a permit from the West Metro or Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District.

Key details: Rubbish/debris burning: Always unlawful. Open Burning permit from: Fire protection district. Recreational fire threshold: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high. Enforced by: Police, Rangers, fire districts.

Burning rubbish/debris or performing Open Burning without a fire-district permit violates § 9.39.030; leaving any fire unattended or failing to extinguish it is also unlawful, enforced by Police, Park Rangers, or the fire districts under § 9.39.040.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Fireworks

Using, exploding or selling fireworks anywhere in Lakewood, Colorado is unlawful under Municipal Code Ch. 5.20, with narrow carve-outs for licensed display fireworks sold to permitted public shows and for legitimate non-entertainment uses. Public displays need a City Clerk permit backed by Police and Fire Department sign-off and $300,000/$100,000 insurance.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code Ch. 5.20. General rule: Use, sale or possession-to-sell banned citywide. Display permit fee: $25, filed 30+ days ahead. Retail sale permit: $50 application + $25/location, 20-month term. Retail filing deadline: By June 20 of the year sought.

Violating the fireworks ban is a criminal offense enforceable under the Municipal Code's general penalty provisions. The Chief of Police or an authorized city agent may seize, take and remove any stock of fireworks stored or held in violation of the chapter at the owner's or possessor's expense (§ 5.20.210). Display and retail permits are expressly nontransferable and nonassignable, and a retail sale permit cannot be renewed (§§ 5.20.110, 5.20.180).

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

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 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.

All of the above reflects Lakewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.