As a resident of Lakewood Colorado for over 15 years I’ve paid my fair share of bills and fees to the city. From utilities like water and trash, to traffic citations and business licensing taxes, the City of Lakewood offers multiple ways for residents and businesses to pay online or in-person.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the various types of city bills, provide an overview of payment options, share tips for creating an online account, explain policies related to late/unpaid bills, and answer frequently asked questions My goal is to provide a comprehensive look at the easy bill pay process offered by the City of Lakewood
Types of City of Lakewood Bills You Can Pay Online
Here are the most common types of bills that people and businesses in Lakewood may need to pay, and it’s easy to do so online:
Utilities:
- Water, sewer, and stormwater services
- Trash/recycling collection
Motor Vehicle and Traffic:
- Parking citations
- Photo enforcement tickets (red light cameras, speeding)
- Vehicle registration and ownership taxes
Municipal Court Fees:
- Traffic ticket fines
- Court administrative fees
Business Licensing and Taxes:
- Business license application and renewals
- Sales and use tax returns
Recreation and Facility Rentals:
- Community center memberships
- Shelter rentals
- Room rentals
- Program/class registrations
Permits and Pet Licensing:
- Building permits
- Pet licenses
Having the ability to pay any of these common city bills completely online provides flexibility and convenience for Lakewood residents.
Overview of Payment Options
The City of Lakewood offers several ways to pay your bills whether you prefer online, by phone, in person, or automatic payments.
Online Payments
The city website allows online payments by credit/debit card or electronic check for many common bill types. You can pay one-time or set up recurring payments.
Phone Payments
Call the city bill assistance line at 303-987-7630 to pay over the phone by credit card, Monday to Friday.
In-Person Payments
Visit the City of Lakewood Municipal Office Building to pay with cash, check or credit card.
Automatic Payments
Set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account for utility bills to avoid late fees.
Drop Boxes
After-hours drop boxes are available to leave check or money order payments.
By Mail
Mail in check or money order payments to the City of Lakewood office address with your bill stub.
Having these options allows residents to choose the most convenient method that fits their needs and preferences each billing cycle.
Tips for Setting Up an Online Account
Paying bills through the City of Lakewood website provides the most convenience and options. Follow these tips to get signed up for online bill pay:
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Visit either www.lakewoodcity.org/Residents/Make-a-Payment or www.lakewood.org/Pay-My-Bill
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Click “Pay/Lookup Account” and then “New Users”
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Enter your Lakewood utility account number and other requested info
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Create a username and password for your online account
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Register your email to receive notices about bills and payment confirmations
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Save payment methods like bank account or credit card for quick access
Once your online account is created, you can log in anytime to view balances, make one-time payments, set up autopay for utilities, and manage payment methods. It takes just a few minutes to sign up and start enjoying the convenience of online bill payment!
Policies for Late Payments or Disconnections
To avoid additional fees, it’s important to pay City of Lakewood bills by the stated due dates each month. Here are some key policies related to late payments:
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Utility bills are due on the 21st of each month. A late fee of $15 is charged if not paid by the due date.
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If a utility bill remains unpaid for 60+ days, a disconnect notice will be issued and service discontinued until paid.
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A reconnection fee of $70 applies after water service is disconnected for nonpayment.
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Parking citations double if unpaid after 30 days from issue date.
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For unpaid court fines or fees, drivers license or vehicle registration may be suspended.
I recommend signing up for email notices and autopay if possible to avoid ever missing a payment and incurring penalties. But if a bill does slip through the cracks, be sure to utilize the online bill pay options to resolve it quickly.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to paying City of Lakewood bills online, here are answers to some common questions:
What are the customer service hours for bill pay assistance?
Customer service is available 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday at 303-987-7630.
Is there an option to pay multiple bills in one transaction?
Yes! You can pay outstanding balances on multiple bill types like utilities and a parking ticket in a single online payment.
What are the fees for online payment by credit/debit card?
A third-party convenience fee of $1.50 for electronic check payments or 2.5% for credit cards is applied.
Can I set up automatic bill pay for utilities from my bank account?
Yes, recurring auto-pay can be setup during online account registration or added later in account settings.
What do I do if I lost my bill or account number?
No problem! The utility customer service team can help look up your account with your address to make a payment.
When will late fees or penalties be waived?
Unfortunately the City of Lakewood does not waive late fees in most cases. Pay on time to avoid additional penalties.
Pay Traffic & Parking Tickets
Pay now online through the Lakewood Municipal Court
City offices closed May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday
Pay now online using the Lakewood Utilities app