9. ORDINANCE 18-2025 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, to amend Chapter 1775, Weeds, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood for the purpose of establishing regulations for front yard plantings.
I think "Section 3. That new Section 1775.03 Front Yard Planting, of the Lakewood Codified
Ordinances" is a clear violation of the 5th Amendment. I understand the Law Director of Lakewood is an long established and well respected attorney. Does the city really want to open itself up to unnecessary litigation at taxpayers expense?
I am all for ensuring that grass gets cut appropriately and that it doesn’t grow too high. However, I do not believe the city should mandate what goes in the front yard or where. Is the city of Lakewood now becoming a homeowners association in a planned development? We live in an actual city with residents who prefer to make their own choices. In a progressive city like Lakewood, I expect more. Free will is important. Let’s maintain free will.
Opposing Ordinance No. 18-2025 and Supporting Trees & Natural Landscaping
As a resident deeply concerned about environmental sustainability and community health, I oppose Ordinance No. 18-2025 as currently written. While I appreciate the city’s acknowledgment of ecological landscaping through the inclusion of “Managed Natural Landscapes,” the proposed restrictions, such as rigid setbacks and arbitrary height limitations, create unnecessary barriers for residents wishing to replace traditional lawns with biodiverse, low-maintenance alternatives that benefit pollinators, reduce stormwater runoff, and support native wildlife.
This ordinance prioritizes outdated aesthetic norms over pressing environmental needs. Traditional turfgrass offers little ecological value, yet the ordinance mandates turfgrass borders and sight triangles that may eliminate valuable habitat and native plantings. Requiring low ground cover near sidewalks undervalues public education about diverse, intentional landscapes and discourages creative urban ecology.
We must shift from a narrow vision of “well-maintained yards” toward a greener future that allows front-yard meadows, flowering trees, and community rain gardens. Instead of enforcement and restrictions, the city should provide guidelines, workshops, and incentives to promote responsible natural landscaping. Let’s protect trees, support biodiversity, and empower residents not penalize them for embracing nature.
Please revise or reject this ordinance in its current
I think "Section 3. That new Section 1775.03 Front Yard Planting, of the Lakewood Codified
Ordinances" is a clear violation of the 5th Amendment. I understand the Law Director of Lakewood is an long established and well respected attorney. Does the city really want to open itself up to unnecessary litigation at taxpayers expense?
I am all for ensuring that grass gets cut appropriately and that it doesn’t grow too high. However, I do not believe the city should mandate what goes in the front yard or where. Is the city of Lakewood now becoming a homeowners association in a planned development? We live in an actual city with residents who prefer to make their own choices. In a progressive city like Lakewood, I expect more. Free will is important. Let’s maintain free will.
Opposing Ordinance No. 18-2025 and Supporting Trees & Natural Landscaping
As a resident deeply concerned about environmental sustainability and community health, I oppose Ordinance No. 18-2025 as currently written. While I appreciate the city’s acknowledgment of ecological landscaping through the inclusion of “Managed Natural Landscapes,” the proposed restrictions, such as rigid setbacks and arbitrary height limitations, create unnecessary barriers for residents wishing to replace traditional lawns with biodiverse, low-maintenance alternatives that benefit pollinators, reduce stormwater runoff, and support native wildlife.
This ordinance prioritizes outdated aesthetic norms over pressing environmental needs. Traditional turfgrass offers little ecological value, yet the ordinance mandates turfgrass borders and sight triangles that may eliminate valuable habitat and native plantings. Requiring low ground cover near sidewalks undervalues public education about diverse, intentional landscapes and discourages creative urban ecology.
We must shift from a narrow vision of “well-maintained yards” toward a greener future that allows front-yard meadows, flowering trees, and community rain gardens. Instead of enforcement and restrictions, the city should provide guidelines, workshops, and incentives to promote responsible natural landscaping. Let’s protect trees, support biodiversity, and empower residents not penalize them for embracing nature.
Please revise or reject this ordinance in its current