Lakewood rezones neighborhoods, single-family homes lose protection

By Sage Kelley | Denver Gazette

The controversial section of Lakewood’s new proposed planning document that aims to add more affordable housing to the city was approved Monday evening.

The Lakewood City Council approved an amended version of Article 3 of the city’s 2026 zoning code proposal — a 400-page planning document covering residential, commercial and mixed-use site design standards, parking and historic preservation.

The ordinance passed 9-2, with councilmembers David Rein and Paula Nystrom being the two “no” votes.

The article drew ire throughout the community, and it ultimately erased the use of the term single-family zoning, allowing for multi-family homes — like duplexes and condos — to be built in residential areas citywide. The change is aimed at boosting affordable housing, according to the council.

Since the council began discussing the proposal in March, countless residents spoke at different public meetings, with a nearly even split of voices for and against.

Though the council split up the ordinances into different meetings and votes, every public meeting regarding the proposal has involved people speaking for or against the introduction of more affordable housing in formerly single-family areas.

The previous meeting on Sept. 8 stretched for nearly 8 hours.

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