Lakewood Intergovernmental Agreements & Severability

General Governance and Administration Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Lakewood, Colorado, intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) and severability clauses shape how the city cooperates with other governments and how parts of ordinances or agreements remain effective if other parts are invalidated. This guide explains where Lakewood publishes IGAs, how severability language functions in local ordinances, who enforces compliance, and the practical steps residents or partner jurisdictions can take to request, review, or challenge agreement terms. It relies on the City of Lakewood municipal code and official city offices for current procedures and copies of executed agreements.[1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for breaches of intergovernmental agreements or violations of municipal ordinances that reference such agreements is typically handled by the City Attorney, the City Manager, or the department responsible for the subject matter of the agreement (for example, Public Works or Community Development). Monetary fines, termination of participation, injunctions, or specific performance may be remedies, but specific fine amounts or statutory daily penalties for IGA breaches are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

Enforcement pathways often begin with departmental review and can escalate to the City Attorney and courts.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the controlling ordinance or agreement.[1]
  • Escalation: remedies may include written notices, cure periods, termination, injunctions, and court actions; exact escalation timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, suspension or termination of contract rights, specific performance, and injunctive relief.
  • Enforcer and complaints: City Attorney and the department administering the IGA; complaints or requests for copies are routed through the City Clerk or the responsible department.
  • Appeals/review: judicial review in state courts is the usual route; specific administrative appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

There is no single universal application form for executing or contesting an intergovernmental agreement listed on the municipal code page; executed agreements are typically reflected in council actions, resolutions, or contract documents maintained by the City Clerk or relevant department. For formal filings or requests for records, contact the City Clerk or the department named in the agreement.[1]

Request copies of executed agreements from the City Clerk to confirm specific terms and remedies.

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Failure to perform agreed services or cost-sharing obligations — typical outcome: cure notice, mediation, termination, or litigation.
  • Unauthorized use or deviation from agreed terms — typical outcome: corrective order or termination.
  • Failure to make required payments — typical outcome: interest, collection, termination; specific fines or rates not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

What is an intergovernmental agreement in Lakewood?
An intergovernmental agreement is a written contract between Lakewood and another government entity to share services, facilities, or responsibilities; copies are maintained by the City Clerk or the administering department.
Does Lakewood include severability clauses in ordinances and agreements?
Yes; many ordinances and agreements include severability language so valid provisions remain effective if a part is invalidated, with exact wording varying by document.
How do I get a copy of an executed IGA?
Request the document from the City Clerk or the department that administered the agreement; see the Help and Support section below for official contact pages.

How-To

  1. Identify the agreement: note the title, parties, and effective date from council minutes or the City Clerk index.
  2. Request records: submit a records request to the City Clerk for the executed agreement and any related resolutions or ordinances.
  3. Review severability language: locate the severability clause in the agreement or ordinance to understand effects of partial invalidation.
  4. If contested, seek administrative clarification from the responsible department, then consult the City Attorney for legal remedies.
  5. Pursue judicial review if necessary; document compliance attempts and timelines for potential court filings.

Key Takeaways

  • IGAs and severability clauses determine operational continuity when parts of agreements are challenged.
  • City Clerk and administering departments are primary contacts for copies and compliance inquiries.
  • Specific fines, daily penalties, and administrative appeal time limits are not specified on the cited municipal code page and require review of the controlling instrument.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Lakewood - Municipal Code and Code of Ordinances

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