1. 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. (1st read & referred to HPD 5/19/25).
I oppose the proposed Ordinance 18-2-25 with 1775.03 Front Yard Planting Ordinance.
While encorouraging ecological landscaping is a worthwhile goal, this ordinance infringes on property rights and places undue restrictions on homeowners. Requiring turfgrass or low ground cover within 2 to 4 feet of the sidewalk, soley to preserve "sight lines"'effectively converts private land into public-use buffer zones without compensation- a potential violation of the fifth amendment. These mandated setbacks reduce the usable area of a homeowners yard, limit creative and environmentally beneficial planting options, and imposes arbitrary aesthetic standards that might not align with each property owner's values or needs. Furthermore, the "emergency" designation is unjustified. There is no immediate public threat of weeds. I urge City Council to vote NO!
Section 1775.03 has serious implications vis a vis the 5th amendment. This ordinance should not be passed as such. Please do your homework
I oppose the proposed Ordinance 18-2-25 with 1775.03 Front Yard Planting Ordinance.
While encorouraging ecological landscaping is a worthwhile goal, this ordinance infringes on property rights and places undue restrictions on homeowners. Requiring turfgrass or low ground cover within 2 to 4 feet of the sidewalk, soley to preserve "sight lines"'effectively converts private land into public-use buffer zones without compensation- a potential violation of the fifth amendment. These mandated setbacks reduce the usable area of a homeowners yard, limit creative and environmentally beneficial planting options, and imposes arbitrary aesthetic standards that might not align with each property owner's values or needs. Furthermore, the "emergency" designation is unjustified. There is no immediate public threat of weeds. I urge City Council to vote NO!