Landscaping Rules in Lakewood, CO

If you live in Lakewood or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakewood has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Native Plants

New Lakewood homes and additions over 20 percent of the existing home must include drought-tolerant landscaping using native or low-water plants, water-conserving irrigation, and reduced turf coverage, under Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.1:C. The requirement sits in Article 6's residential design standards, adopted May 13, 2019 and carried into the Ordinance's May 8, 2023 revision.

Key details: Governing section: Lakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.1:C. Trigger: New construction or additions over 20% of home. Required techniques: Native/low-water plants, efficient irrigation, less turf. Artificial turf: Cannot count toward landscaping minimums. Dead plant replacement: 30 days, or by May 31 next year.

A landscaping violation under Article 6 is prosecuted pursuant to the Municipal Code's general penalty, § 1.16.020: up to a $2,650 fine, up to 365 days in jail, or both, and the Zoning Ordinance's own § 17.1.11 makes each day a violation continues after written notice a separate offense. In practice, an unmet drought-tolerant landscaping condition most often surfaces at the certificate-of-occupancy or final-inspection stage on new construction and larger additions, before the city signs off on the project.

Weed Ordinances

Lakewood caps weeds and grass at six inches on any lot with a habitable structure and 12 inches on vacant or undeveloped lots and in irrigation and drainage ditches, under Municipal Code § 9.80.020(A)(4). A lot at least two-thirds covered in code-defined 'acceptable cover' of desirable native and drought-tolerant species can get a height exemption with a permit.

Key details: Habitable-lot limit: 6 inches maximum. Vacant-lot limit: 12 inches maximum, incl. ditches. Exemption test: Two-thirds 'acceptable cover' of desirable species. Exemption permit issuer: Department of Community Resources. Repeat-violation fee: $352 second, $514 third within 24 months.

The city enforces excess weed and grass height the same way it enforces the rest of Chapter 9.80's nuisance list: a posted and mailed notice under § 9.80.080 gives the owner seven days to mow or appeal, unresolved cases can go to a Municipal Court show-cause hearing under § 9.80.060, and the city can mow the lot itself and assess the cost plus at least a $108.00 to $216.00 administrative fee as a property lien under § 9.80.090, rising to $352.00 for a second violation and $514.00 for a third within 24 months. Prosecution instead of, or in addition to, abatement can bring the general penalty of up to $2,650 or 365 days in jail under § 1.16.020.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Trees over 8-inch caliper on a development site in Lakewood, Colorado are 'protected' and must be preserved unless they meet a listed removal exemption.

Key details: Protected threshold: over 8-inch caliper. Measured: 1 foot above grade. Reviewer: Director with City Forester. Applies to: trees within a development site.

Removing a protected tree outside a listed exemption without City sign-off risks stop-work action and required tree replacement under the companion replacement standard.

Tree Trimming

Lakewood's Municipal Code sets minimum vertical clearance for trees and vegetation overhanging public ways: 8 feet above sidewalks and walkways, and 16½ feet above streets and alleys.

Key details: Sidewalk/walkway clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street/alley clearance: 16½ feet minimum. Correction window: 30 days after notice. Enforcement: Parks manager, Community Resources Dept.. Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 8.06.080.

Ignoring a 30-day correction notice lets the City hire a contractor to trim or remove the vegetation and bill the owner, including administrative fees, which can become a property lien.

Composting

Lakewood does not ban backyard composting, but Municipal Code Section 9.80.170(A) makes it a nuisance to maintain a compost pile or spread compost in a way that injures or endangers public comfort, health or safety, including strong odors or attracting rodents. The Police Department's Code Enforcement Unit investigates complaints and can order abatement with fees attached.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 9.80.170(A). Standard: Odor/rodent nuisance, not the pile itself. Enforcer: Police Dept. Code Enforcement Unit. Notice window: 7 days to abate or appeal. First violation fee: $108, rising to $216 if unpaid.

Failing to abate after notice adds a minimum $108 inspection and administrative fee on top of removal costs, rising to $216 once the city certifies the unpaid amount as a lien to the Jefferson County Treasurer under Section 9.80.090(B)-(F). A second violation on the same property within 24 months adds up to $352 more, a third within 24 months up to $514. A prosecuted violation also risks a fine up to $2,650 or 365 days in jail under Section 1.16.020(A).

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

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.