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Lakewood, CO Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

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
Repeat violations
up to $352 (2nd), $514 (3rd) in 24 mo.
Criminal penalty ceiling
$2,650 fine or 365 days jail

Summary

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.

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.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).

Full Breakdown

Composting itself is legal inside Lakewood city limits in Jefferson County. ' The line the code draws is nuisance, not the pile itself. 80 'Abatement of Nuisances,' declares it unlawful to maintain a compost pile or spread compost in a manner that injures or endangers the public's comfort, health or safety, expressly naming strong offensive odors and the presence of mice, rats, or other vermin as examples of that harm. Enforcement runs through the Police Department's Code Enforcement Unit, headed by the Code Enforcement Supervisor.

080(B). 060. A Municipal Court nuisance order is final and can be appealed only to Jefferson County District Court under Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 106(a)(4). Because Lakewood is a home rule city, this is a local nuisance standard, not a state odor statute, and it applies the same way in every zone district.

Violations & Fines

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).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is backyard composting legal in Lakewood, CO?
Yes. Lakewood's Municipal Code does not prohibit maintaining a compost pile inside city limits. Section 9.80.170(A) only treats a pile as a nuisance when it injures or endangers public comfort, health or safety, for example through strong offensive odors or by attracting mice, rats, or other vermin. A well-managed pile that avoids those conditions is not a violation.
What happens after Code Enforcement cites a compost pile in Lakewood?
The Code Enforcement Supervisor posts written notice on the property and mails a copy to the owner of record under Sections 9.80.080 and 9.80.170(A). The nuisance must be abated, or a written appeal filed with the Code Enforcement Supervisor, within seven days, or the city can remove the pile and bill the owner an inspection fee starting at $108.
Can I appeal a compost nuisance notice in Lakewood?
Yes. A written appeal filed with the Code Enforcement Supervisor within seven days of the posted notice gets a hearing within 30 days under Section 9.80.080(B). If the Municipal Court finds a nuisance exists, that order is final in the city process but can still be appealed to Jefferson County District Court under Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 106(a)(4).
How much can a compost nuisance violation cost in Lakewood?
A first violation carries a minimum $108 inspection and administrative fee, rising to $216 if it goes unpaid and is certified as a lien to the Jefferson County Treasurer. Repeat violations on the same property within 24 months climb to up to $352 for a second offense and $514 for a third, on top of abatement costs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lakewood

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNative PlantsSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Lakewood rules

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