Lakewood, CO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk/walkway clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street/alley clearance
- 16½ feet minimum
- Correction window
- 30 days after notice
- Enforcement
- Parks manager, Community Resources Dept.
- Governing law
- Lakewood Municipal Code § 8.06.080
Summary
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.
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 private property in locations that will, at maturity, encroach upon the public way as set forth in this section. (Ord. O-2019-25 § 1, 2019; Ord. O-94-16 § 8, 1994; Ord. O-82-46 § 1 (part), 1982; Ord. O-73-34 § 1 (part), 1973).
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
Under Chapter 8.06 of the Lakewood Municipal Code, vegetation on private property that projects into or encroaches on a public way, including streets, sidewalks, alleys and rights-of-way, must maintain that clearance. If overgrowth visually or physically impairs pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or presents a hazard, the parks manager can issue written notice requiring the owner to remove, trim or otherwise treat it within 30 days of receipt. The parks manager may also prohibit new plantings on private property that would, at maturity, encroach into the public way.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a 30-day correction notice lets the City hire a contractor to trim or remove the vegetation and bill the owner, including administrative fees, which can become a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be over a Lakewood sidewalk?
What happens if my tree overhangs the street too low?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado landscaping rules overview
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