Existing cities and towns may come under general law

• Currency: Current through 11/8/2022 Election
• Citation: Colo. Const. art. XIV § 14

The general assembly shall also make provision, by general law, whereby any city, town or village, incorporated by any special or local law, may elect to become subject to and be governed by the general law relating to such corporations.

Cite as Colo. Const. art. XIV § 14

Source:

Entire article added, effective August 1, 1876, see L. 1877, p. 68.

ANNOTATION

General assembly may exercise almost plenary power over cities and towns. By this and the preceding section the whole subject of towns and cities is, with two slight limitations, relegated to the general assembly. In connection with such municipal corporations, that body is, by these provisions, left to exercise almost plenary power. It determines the mode of organization, and provides for all matters pertaining to government, including the number and kind of officers, their election or appointment, and duties. It may or may not, at its option, create the office of mayor. People ex rel. Barton v. Londoner, 13 Colo. 303, 22 P. 764 (1889).

The classification and powers of incorporated towns are governed by general laws. Town of Eaton v. Bouslog, 133 Colo. 130, 292 P.2d 343 (1956).

Town not under general law limited to charter powers. Where a town does not elect to become subject to laws passed under section 13 of this article, its original charter is the sole measure of its powers, rights and liabilities except insofar as the charter has been amended or is in conflict with the constitution. Georgetown v. Bank of Idaho Springs, 99 Colo. 519, 64 P.2d 132 (1936).