Denver, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)
Key Facts
- Home occupation ban
- Vehicle sales, rentals, repairs prohibited
- Outdoor storage
- No auto parts or tools stored outside
- Enforcing agency
- Community Planning and Development (CPD)
- Max penalty
- $999 fine or 300 days jail
- Citations
- Denver Zoning Code §§ 11.9.5.7, 11.8.8.1.B
Summary
Denver zoning bars vehicle repair services as a home occupation, and residential lots may not store automobile parts, tools, or supplies for auto repair outdoors, even accessory to a permitted use.
The Zoning Administrator shall not allow any of the following uses as Home Occupations: ... 11.9.5.7 Vehicle or equipment sales, rentals, and services, including repairs.
Full Breakdown
Denver Zoning Code § 11.9.5 lists vehicle or equipment sales, rentals, and services, including repairs, among the Home Occupation uses the Zoning Administrator is barred from approving in any zone district: running an auto repair business out of a house is prohibited outright, not merely size-limited like other home occupations. Separately, § 11.8.8.1.B bars storing automobile parts, tools, equipment, or supplies used for auto repair outdoors on residential property, even for a permitted accessory use. Community Planning and Development enforces both rules and can issue compliance orders under Zoning Code § 12.11.6.
Violations & Fines
Operating without CPD approval draws a compliance order and, per D.R.M.C. § 1-13, up to a $999 fine or 300 days in jail per offense; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix cars in my garage at home in Denver?
Can I store spare auto parts or tools in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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