Lakewood, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Lakewood Municipal Code § 4221 defines parkways as the planted strip within the dedicated street right-of-way, covering everything from curb to sidewalk that carries lawn, bush, tree, or plant material. 1. 1 sets the ground rules for what a homeowner may put in that strip: non-tree vegetation cannot exceed six inches in height, and no sign, statue, lawn ornament, potted plant, or constructed planter may block safe entry to a parked vehicle or safe use of the sidewalk. Water, electrical cords, or hoses cannot run across the parkway to a curbside vehicle, and basketball hoops, skateboard ramps, and bicycle ramps cannot be stored there.

Section 4321, the citywide right-of-way encroachment ordinance, adds the material list: parkways may hold only City street trees, turf grass or ground cover kept under six inches, decomposed granite, or loose decorative stone and gravel no larger than three-quarters of an inch, plus artificial turf. If the City needs to remove or displace those materials to do its own work in the parkway, the adjacent owner must clear the way and the City owes no repair or replacement. Violating any of these provisions carries the citywide misdemeanor penalty in § 1200: a fine up to the state misdemeanor maximum, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.