Lakewood, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Lakewood Municipal Code Ch. 5.24
- Required bond
- $10,000, city-approved surety
- Business hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only
- Interest cap
- 1/5 of purchase price per month
- Spacing rule
- 1 mile between pawnshops (post-2005 licenses)
- Video retention
- 90 days, 180 if evidentiary
Summary
Running a pawnbroker business in Lakewood, Colorado without a City-issued license is unlawful under Municipal Code Ch. 5.24. Licensees face fingerprinting, a $10,000 bond, an 8 a.m.-9 p.m. hours cap, a one-mile spacing rule between pawnshops, and an interest ceiling of one-fifth of the purchase price per month.
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to conduct the business of a pawnbroker within the city limits unless such Person, firm or corporation shall have first obtained a "pawnbroker's license" from the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
020 states plainly that it is unlawful to conduct pawnbroker business in the city without first obtaining a pawnbroker's license. 030). 120). 290). 090). 210). 360). 270). 460).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 5.24 is unlawful and subjects the violator to the general penalties set out in Chapter 1.16 of the Municipal Code; a person acting on a pawnbroker's behalf is criminally liable to the same extent as the pawnbroker (§ 5.24.440). A license may be suspended or revoked by the City Manager or designee after notice and hearing for lack of good moral character, loss of financial responsibility, or any chapter violation, and the City Manager may bar relicensing entirely absent proof of rehabilitation (§ 5.24.060). Termination of the required bond triggers summary suspension, with revocation if a new bond is not posted within 30 days of demand (§ 5.24.110). A pawnbroker aggrieved by a final hearing decision may seek review in Jefferson County District Court under C.R.C.P. Rule 106 (§ 5.24.430).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a pawnshop in Lakewood without a license?
What hours can a Lakewood pawnshop operate?
How close can two pawnshops be in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Pawnbrokers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle pawnbrokers.