Lakewood Brownfield Cleanup Plan Review Process

Environmental Protection Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Lakewood, Colorado, brownfield cleanup plans are reviewed through a dual process that separates environmental approval from land-use and building permits. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division oversees technical approval of remediation plans and certification of completed cleanup for brownfields, while the City of Lakewood reviews redevelopment proposals, site plans, and building permits to ensure local land-use and safety standards are met.[1] Developers should coordinate with both agencies early to align remediation scopes with site redevelopment requirements and local codes.[2]

Who Reviews Cleanup Plans

The review sequence typically involves:

  • State environmental regulator - CDPHE reviews and approves remedial action plans and issues final cleanup determinations.
  • City of Lakewood Planning and Building divisions - review land-use changes, site plans, grading, and building permits for redevelopment after or concurrent with remediation planning.
  • Other agencies as required - local stormwater, public works, and utility reviewers may require permits or mitigation measures tied to cleanup and redevelopment.
Start coordination with CDPHE and Lakewood planning before finalizing cleanup scopes.

Typical Review Steps

  • Pre-application meetings with Lakewood planners to discuss redevelopment permitting and local code constraints.
  • Submission of a Remedial Action Plan or equivalent to CDPHE for technical review.
  • CDPHE technical review, possible public notice, and approval or request for additional work.
  • Concurrent or subsequent submission of city site plans, grading, and building permit applications to Lakewood.
  • Inspections and final certification by CDPHE and city closeout of permits before occupancy or redevelopment completion.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of cleanup and redevelopment obligations involves both environmental and municipal authorities. CDPHE enforces state hazardous materials and remediation requirements; the City of Lakewood enforces local code, permits, and building standards through its Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement divisions.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages; specific penalties for environmental remediation or permit violations should be confirmed with CDPHE and the City of Lakewood.[1]
  • Escalation: civil orders, notices to comply, and escalating enforcement measures are used; exact ranges for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, remediation orders, permit revocation or suspension, corrective action mandates, and referral to court for enforcement.
  • Enforcer and complaints: CDPHE HMWMD handles technical cleanup compliance; Lakewood Planning and Code Enforcement handle local permit and code violations. Use the official contact pages in Help and Support below for complaints.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes vary by agency—city permit decisions typically have local administrative appeal procedures and timelines; state cleanup orders have administrative review processes. Specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the issuing agency.[2]
  • Defences/discretion: agencies may consider variances, remediation alternatives, or documented constraints; coordinate early to document technical or economic justifications.
Record and document communications with both CDPHE and Lakewood to reduce enforcement risk.

Applications & Forms

Required submissions commonly include a Remedial Action Plan or Brownfields application to CDPHE and site plan and building permit applications to the City of Lakewood. Fees, form names/numbers, deadlines, and exact submission methods vary by program and are published on each agencys official pages; see Help and Support for links to current application forms and instructions.[1]

How-To

  1. Contact CDPHE HMWMD early to confirm whether your site qualifies as a brownfield and to learn required submission materials.
  2. Schedule a pre-application meeting with Lakewood Planning to review land-use, site plan, and permit expectations.
  3. Prepare and submit the Remedial Action Plan and supporting reports to CDPHE; respond to technical review comments.
  4. Submit city site plan, grading, and building permit applications as required for redevelopment, attaching remediation summary and any agreed controls.
  5. Complete remediation under approved conditions, arrange inspections, and obtain final certifications from CDPHE and Lakewood before occupancy.

FAQ

Who issues final approval that a brownfield site is cleaned?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issues technical cleanup determinations and certification that remediation meets state requirements.[1]
Does Lakewood approve cleanup plans?
Lakewood reviews redevelopment, site plans, and building permits; it does not substitute for CDPHEs technical approval of remediation plans.[2]
Where do I report an alleged violation during cleanup?
Report environmental compliance concerns to CDPHE HMWMD and local permit or code violations to Lakewood Code Enforcement; contact links are in Help and Support below.

Key Takeaways

  • CDPHE handles technical cleanup approval; Lakewood handles land-use and building permits.
  • Coordinate early with both agencies to align remediation and redevelopment plans.
  • Many penalties and specific timelines are set by the issuing agency; verify on the official pages cited.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Brownfields
  2. [2] City of Lakewood Planning Division

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data