Lakewood Beautiful awards program

Beautiful Home Award. The program’s traditional award recognizing the front-facing exterior and landscaping of a home that reflects exceptional care and pride of ownership.

Jackie Rynerson “Transformation Award.” Honors homeowners who have improved the front-facing exterior and landscaping of their property within the past three years. Improvements must be completed or overseen by the current homeowner. Dated “before” and “after” photos are required with the nomination. Homes currently for sale are not eligible.

Jackie Rynerson was an original Lakewood resident who helped organize the City’s incorporation in 1954. She served on the City Council from 1978 to 1990 and created the original Lakewood Beautiful program.

Neat and Tidy Award. Recognizes homeowners who consistently maintain their landscaping and a clean home exterior.

Water-Wise Award. Honors homes nominated in other categories that also demonstrate water-efficient landscaping and irrigation practices.

View past Lakewood Beautiful winners

Judges are not looking for the most expensive or elaborate homes. Instead, they look for properties that demonstrate consistent care and attention to detail, including:

• Neat, clean and well-maintained exterior
• Landscaping that complements the home
• Effective use of plant variety, texture and color
• Attention to detail
• Consistent upkeep of the property

Water-wise winners are selected from among Beautiful Home and Transformation Award honorees.

Strong candidates often include:

• Plants grouped by water needs
• Drought-tolerant or native plants
• Low-water-use irrigation systems
• Minimal turf areas
• Permeable ground covering and hardscape

• Shrubs should not block windows, walkways or entrances
• Trees should be proportional to the size of the home
• Planter materials should be consistent and well maintained
• No dead or missing plant material
• Turf should be trimmed and free of dry or weedy areas
• Parkways should match the condition of the rest of the property
• Walkways and driveways should be free of cracks and stains
• Porches should be clean and free of clutter
• Decorative items should complement the landscaping
• Exterior maintenance should show no peeling paint, rust or loose materials

Code enforcement issues may prevent a home from receiving recognition.

Hardscape vs. landscaping

• No more than 60% of the front yard may be hardscape (driveways, walkways, etc.)
• At least 40% must be permeable landscaping
• At least half of that 40% must include live plant material

Trash containers
Trash carts must be screened from public view.

Canopies
Not allowed in the driveway leading to the garage. May be placed in the rear yard if at least 3 feet from property lines.

Permits
All additions to a home require permits.

If you have questions about code enforcement policies, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2140.