Lakewood's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, there are 2 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.

Encroachment Permits

Building a fence, mailbox pillar, or placing a commercial dumpster in Lakewood, Colorado's public right-of-way requires a Revocable License Agreement approved administratively by the City Manager before work begins.

Key details: Approving authority: City Manager or designee. License type: Revocable at will. Covers: fences, mailbox pillars, dumpsters. Appeal window: 10 days of denial notice.

Constructing or placing an unpermitted encroachment in the right-of-way violates § 12.19.020, exposing the responsible party to removal costs, a cease-and-desist order, a municipal court summons, or nuisance abatement under § 9.80.

Obstruction Rules

The City of Lakewood, Colorado (Jefferson County) makes it unlawful to obstruct any sidewalk, street, or other public passageway, or to ignore a police or fire officer's order to clear the way.

Key details: Enforcing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.50.030. Covers: Sidewalks, streets, entrances, aisles, stairways. "Obstruct" standard: Impassable or unreasonably inconvenient/hazardous. Special protection: Funeral procession routes.

A citation applies for blocking a sidewalk or passageway, refusing a lawful order from police or fire to move, or obstructing a funeral procession's route.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's sidewalk & pedestrian 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.

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.