Lakewood, CO Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Section 9.80.020(A)(5) states that noxious plants or designated undesirable plants as defined in Section 35-5.5-101, et seq., C.R.S. shall be eradicated or suppressed as directed by the Code Enforcement Supervisor in the notice given pursuant to Section 9.80.080. Because the provision incorporates the state noxious-weed list by reference rather than printing its own, Lakewood is not maintaining an independent city species list; it enforces Colorado's designated list within city limits through its own notice-and-abatement machinery. Section 9.80.010 defines 'Eradication' as reducing a noxious species' reproductive success to zero and permanently eliminating the species or population, continuing until the existing seed bank is exhausted, and defines 'Suppression' as reducing a population's vigor and its tendency to spread, drawing on integrated management techniques set forth in Section 35-5.5-101, et seq., C.R.S.

If the Code Enforcement Supervisor decides mowing is the appropriate suppression method, § 9.80.020(A)(5) fixes the cut height at no greater than six inches if located within 100 feet of a habitable structure, or 12 inches if located farther than 100 feet from a habitable structure, a tighter standard near occupied homes than the general weed-height rule in the same section. Enforcement runs through the Chapter 9.80 notice process: the Code Enforcement Supervisor posts and mails notice under § 9.80.080 giving the owner seven days to abate or appeal, and an unresolved violation can proceed to a show-cause hearing before the Municipal Court under § 9.80.060 or direct abatement by the city with the cost assessed as a lien on the property under § 9.80.090.