Lakewood, CO Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Approving authority
- City Manager or designee
- License type
- Revocable at will
- Covers
- fences, mailbox pillars, dumpsters
- Appeal window
- 10 days of denial notice
Summary
Building a fence, mailbox pillar, or placing a commercial dumpster in Lakewood, Colorado's public right-of-way requires a Revocable License Agreement approved administratively by the City Manager before work begins.
No person shall construct any improvement, such as fences or mailbox pillars, or place any object, such as commercial-type trash dumpsters, in the public right-of-way or on City-owned property without first obtaining a Revocable License Agreement approved by the City Manager or designee.B.This ordinance shall not apply to trash receptacles that are placed adjacent to the traveled lanes for removal on the scheduled date of pick-up.C.A fee for processing the Revocable License Agreement shall be set by City Council resolution from time to time.D.The Revocable License Agreement granted by the City of Lakewood is revocable at will by the City of Lakewood.
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
Lakewood Municipal Code § 12.19.020 bars constructing improvements such as fences or mailbox pillars, or placing objects such as commercial-type trash dumpsters, in the public right-of-way or on city-owned property without a Revocable License Agreement approved by the City Manager or designee. Under § 12.19.040 the encroachment cannot obstruct vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian traffic, infringe on easements, block sight triangles, or create a safety hazard. The agreement is revocable at will by the city, and unauthorized encroachments are subject to removal at the responsible party's cost.
Violations & Fines
Constructing or placing an unpermitted encroachment in the right-of-way violates § 12.19.020, exposing the responsible party to removal costs, a cease-and-desist order, a municipal court summons, or nuisance abatement under § 9.80.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fence in the Lakewood, CO public right-of-way without approval?
Is the right-of-way encroachment permit permanent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle encroachment permits.