Welcome, small business owners! Use these resources to understand the licensing and permitting requirements for starting or expanding your business in Denver. Find permitting and licensing guidance for small businesses, as well as small business resources from Denver Economic Development & Opportunity.
Permitting Requirements and Information
Find what’s required for your project. Review submittal guidelines and permit requirements based on your project type and potential requirements.
Please note, registered design professional is required for all commercial and multifamily project work, and must sign/stamp design drawings submitted for building permits (though not required for a zoning permit). Any work defined as the practice of engineering by the State of Colorado must be signed by a licensed design professional working within their area of expertise (see Denver Building Code Section 133.1.1). Here are some suggestions about how to find a design professional if you're not already working with one.
- Ways to find a design professional
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Start by understanding your project needs and what types of services or professionals will be required
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Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers for referrals
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Conduct online research
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Best practices for selecting a design professional
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Request quotes from multiple firms or individuals.
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Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours, how they manage the permitting process and schedule, how they structure fees, and how they communicate.
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Review the contract carefully to ensure it clearly outlines scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and fees.
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Request several recent references, contact them, and ask about their experience.
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Confirm whether the professional is licensed (if required for your project) and where they hold their license.
Small Business Resources and Business Advancement
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity offers small business and entrepreneurship programs that provide guidance, funding opportunities, and resources to support new and existing businesses. Whether you need financing, 1:1 coaching or networking support, this is your go-to resource for business support.
If you are a small business and need assistance navigating the permitting process, the Business Advancement team offers a wide range of services and is available to support businesses as they navigate city processes that may be unfamiliar or feel complex.
Contact BusinessAdvancement@denvergov.org for assistance.
Licensing
Some businesses require a license in addition to permits to operate. Search the license directory to find which licenses apply to your business and what’s needed to submit an application. For many license types, it’s best to apply during the building permitting process.