Lakewood, CO Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Zoning Ordinance § 17.6.5.1, 'General Standards,' governs the landscaping required on all residential additions greater than 20 percent or new construction. Subsection C requires drought tolerant landscaping and design as part of the overall landscape theme, and states that 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. The same section requires any portion of the site not used for buildings, parking, driveways, service or storage areas to count as landscape area (subsection A), directs sun-tolerant deciduous trees to the south and west sides of buildings and shade-tolerant evergreens to the north for energy conservation (subsection B), bars evergreen trees in the tree lawn or within 8 feet of a public walk (subsection D), and prohibits artificial trees, shrubs, turf or plants from counting toward any minimum landscaping requirement (subsection E).

The native and drought-tolerant duty does not end at installation. Section 17.6.5.7, 'Landscape Maintenance,' makes the landowner responsible for the regular and proper maintenance of all landscaping elements and requires all landscaping be maintained free from disease, pests, weeds, litter, with structures repaired or replaced as necessary to maintain a structurally sound condition. Any required plant that fails, dies, or is otherwise damaged or removed must be replaced within 30 days, or by May 31 of the following year if it dies over winter. Both sections are part of Article 6, a distinct instrument from the Municipal Code; the Ordinance's own § 17.1.11 states that a violation of any Zoning Ordinance provision may be prosecuted pursuant to the Municipal Code, with each day a violation continues after written notice counting as a separate offense.