Lakewood adopts new citywide zoning map after months of hearings; council approves targeted exemptions

Lakewood City Council on Oct. 13 adopted a citywide rewrite of the zoning code and a new zoning map intended to implement the city—s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and to allow more housing types across the city. After public comment that lasted more than three hours, council approved Ordinance O-2025-30 on second and final reading, as amended, by a vote of 8 yes and 3 no.

The ordinance replaces the city—s zoning map and creates the new set of zoning districts used to guide housing and land-use decisions for the next decade. City staff and Council described the rewrite as the culmination of years of work: "This is the culmination of multiple years of effort," Travis Parker, director of Sustainability and Thriving Communities, told the council during the hearing.

Why it matters: The new code and map change permitted building forms and minimum lot standards in many neighborhoods. Councilors said the changes are intended to expand housing options — including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses and cottage court-style projects sometimes called —missing middle— housing — while adding new design standards and protections for parks and open space. Supporters said the code reduces regulatory barriers and increases housing supply; opponents said the changes were released too quickly, risked eroding neighborhood character and did not guarantee affordable units.

Key council action and amendments - Final adoption of zoning ordinance O-2025-30 (as amended): outcome approved, vote 8-3. Named…