Lakewood, CO Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacant lot limit
- 12 inches
- Occupied lot limit
- 6 inches
- Exemption permit from
- Dept. of Community Resources
- Buffer near street/occupied lot
- 10 ft, under 12 in
Summary
Lakewood caps weeds and grass at 12 inches on vacant lots without a habitable structure, with an exemption for undeveloped tracts kept at least two-thirds covered in acceptable native cover.
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 cover and desirable plant species as defined in Section 9.80.010 and does not result in a safety hazard or other hazard, such as causing limited sight distance, the vegetation is exempt from the height limitations with a permit. Additionally, height limitations do not apply to flower gardens, xeriscape gardens, vegetable gardens, plots of shrubbery, grain plots, pastures used for feed, fodder, or forage; or city-owned developed, undeveloped, or open space or parks; or in situations where slope stabilization or erosion control is the purpose of the planting or vegetation; or on any city or privately owned tract where the property is managed to maintain a xeriscape treatment.
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 the city's nuisance code, Lakewood limits weed and grass height to six inches on a tract or lot with a habitable structure and 12 inches on one without a habitable structure or in irrigation and drainage ditches. Undeveloped vacant or open space tracts that are at least two-thirds covered with a pure or mixed stand of acceptable, desirable plant species are exempt from the height cap with a permit from the Department of Community Resources, provided the vegetation does not create a safety hazard. Where such a permit is issued next to a street, sidewalk, alley, or occupied lot, a ten-foot buffer strip must still be kept under 12 inches.
Violations & Fines
Weeds or grass exceeding the six- or 12-inch limit is an unlawful condition under LMC § 9.80.020, subject to code enforcement notice and abatement, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds get on a vacant Lakewood lot?
Can I keep native grasses taller than 12 inches on an undeveloped lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle vacant lot maintenance.