Landscaping Rules in Lakewood, CO (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Lakewood, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Lakewood Street Tree Clearance Height
Some RestrictionsLakewood Municipal Code § 8.06.080(B)
The clearance height of any vegetation over sidewalks and walkways shall be not less than eight feet measured vertically from the walk to the first foliage. The clearance height of vegetation over public streets and public alley ways shall be not less than 16½ feet measured vertically from any point in the street to the first foliage.C.The parks manager is authorized to prohibit plantings on pr...
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.
Lakewood CO Protected Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsLakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.8.A
Existing trees with trunks greater than 8-inch caliper, measured 1 foot above grade, within a development shall be preserved to the extent reasonably feasible and will help satisfy the landscaping requirements of this Section. Such trees shall be considered "protected" trees within the meaning of this Section. Streets, buildings, and lot layouts shall be ...
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.
Lakewood CO Max Weed & Grass Height
Some RestrictionsLakewood Municipal Code § 9.80.020(A)(4)
4.The growth of weeds or grass in excess of six inches upon a tract or lot occupied by a habitable structure, or 12 inches upon a tract or lot without a habitable structure or in irrigation and drainage ditches. However, on undeveloped vacant or open space tracts or lots where the species composition is such that the site is at least two-thirds covered with a pure or mixed stand of acceptable c...
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.
Lakewood CO Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Rule
Some RestrictionsLakewood Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.1:C (see also § 17.6.5.7)
C. Drought tolerant landscaping and design is required as part of the overall landscape theme. Drought tolerant landscaping techniques include, but are not limited to, using native and/or low-water plants, employing water-conserving irrigation techniques and systems, and reducing the percentage of turf coverage. ... 17.6.5.7: Landscape Maintenance ... B. All landscaping shall be maintained free...
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.
Lakewood, CO Composting Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsLakewood Municipal Code § 9.80.170(A)
Compost. It is unlawful and constitutes a nuisance for any person to maintain a compost pile or to spread compost in a manner which injures, or endangers the comfort, health or safety of the public and includes, but is not limited to, strong offensive odors or the presence of mice, rats, or other vermin and/or harborage of rodents.
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Jefferson County →