August update: Roundtable discussions

Ward 3 Council member Ken Cruz is hosting a series of Zoning Code Roundtables.

Location:
New America School
5806 W. Alameda Ave. (Cross streets: Harlan and Alameda)

Dates and Times:

• Saturday, Aug. 2: 10-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5: 6-7 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 8: 10-11 a.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14: 6-7 p.m.

Format Overview:
These are informal, drop-in-style sessions (one hour each, first-come, first-served basis). They’re meant to give residents time for the following:

• Ask questions, provide concerns, or share ideas tied to specific parts of the draft zoning code.
• Submit written feedback.
• Participate in respectful, fact-based conversations.

This is not a forum for broad presentations, but a focused way to collect actionable input ahead of City Council's Aug. 11 first reading and Aug. 25 public hearing for the zoning code.

Please reference the new documents available in the "Important documents" section of this project page:

• New staff memo outlining the work that has been done by City Council and the Planning Commission.
• New redline version of the proposed zoning changes. Please note that this draft of the zoning code includes all the redline changes from the previous version, so this document only shows the redline changes that have been added since then.
• New draft zoning map.
• Past versions of the proposed Zoning Updates and maps are available in the "Past documents" section.

The current City Council meeting dates for the Zoning Updates have also changed to Aug. 11 and Aug. 25 (see more information in the Timeline).

As a refresher, the Zoning Updates are changes proposed to regulations that execute the community's vision set in the Comprehensive Plan, which is an advisory document that informs decisions about housing, transportation, sustainability, parks and more for the next 15 years. The zoning changes are a major component of implementing the Comprehensive Plan and promoting its goals.

Why are zoning updates important?

Zoning is a set of laws that regulate how land can be used in a specific area, and cities create these regulations to promote the health and safety of the community. Over the years, these zoning laws need to be updated, and Lakewood is in the process of updating its Zoning Ordinance.

The proposed changes that the Planning Commission and City Council will discuss in the coming months cover three main areas outlined below. Visit the News feed to learn about these different areas of updates:

• Technical changes that clean up, clarify and modernize the zoning regulations.
• City Council requested changes that will address housing needs.
• Modifications required under new state laws.

Follow this discussion and stay up to date on this work:

• Watch a presentation about these updates.
• Check the News feed to learn more.
• Read the Zoning Update Staff Report.
• Review the City Council's 2024 resolution about its priorities.
• Review the timeline for upcoming meetings and public hearings to find out when to participate in the discussion.
• Sign up to follow the project.