Property Maintenance in Lakewood, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Lakewood or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakewood has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Property Blight

Lakewood requires owners to secure or board up an abandoned building within a week, or within 24 hours if it's a danger, or the City hires a contractor and bills the owner.

Key details: Standard deadline: 1 week to secure. Danger deadline: 24 hours. City can: Hire contractor, bill owner. Commercial buildings: Must remove graffiti, debris.

Failure to secure a vacant building is a declared nuisance under Chapter 9.80, enforceable through the notice-and-abatement or show-cause procedures, with abatement costs and a lien collectible against the owner.

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

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Lakewood caps weeds and grass at 12 inches on vacant lots without a habitable structure, with an exemption for undeveloped tracts kept at least two-thirds covered in acceptable native cover.

Key details: Vacant lot limit: 12 inches. Occupied lot limit: 6 inches. Exemption permit from: Dept. of Community Resources. Buffer near street/occupied lot: 10 ft, under 12 in.

Weeds or grass exceeding the six- or 12-inch limit is an unlawful condition under LMC § 9.80.020, subject to code enforcement notice and abatement, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Lakewood property owners, tenants and occupants must clear snow and ice from public sidewalks and bikeways next to their property within 24 hours of the last accretion, under Municipal Code § 9.31.010. Shoveled snow can't be dumped onto a street or against a fire hydrant, and violators face a $25 to $300 fine per day.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.31.010. Clearance deadline: 24 hours after last accretion. Fine range: $25.00 to $300.00. Each day: separate violation. Enforcing agencies: Police Department and Public Works.

Chapter 9.31 carries its own penalty, lower than the citywide default: a fine of not less than $25.00 and no more than $300.00 under Section 9.31.050, with each day the sidewalk remains uncleared, or snow remains illegally deposited on a street or against a hydrant, charged as a separate violation. Either the Police Department or Public Works can issue the citation.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's property maintenance 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.

This guide is based on Lakewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.