Littleton, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code Chapter 3-24, §§ 3-24-2, 3-24-3
- Definition sweep
- 'Pawnbroker' is a 'firearms retailer' by definition
- License requirements
- Sales tax license, federal FFL, safe-storage plan
- License term
- 1 year, non-transferable, § 3-24-8
- Inspections
- At least annual, § 3-24-5(c)
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 02, Series of 2021
Summary
Littleton's firearms retailer licensing chapter, City Code Chapter 3-24, defines 'firearms retailer' to include any person who is a pawnbroker, so operating as a pawnbroker in the city requires the same license, safe-storage plan and annual inspection as a gun shop under Sections 3-24-2 and 3-24-3.
FIREARMS RETAILER: ... (A) any person engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail; (B) any person engaged in the business of repairing firearms or of making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms; or (C) any person who is a pawnbroker. ... No person or business may sell firearms within the City unless a license to sell firearms has been first issued as provided in this Chapter and in compliance with any and all applicable laws and regulations adopted pursuant thereto and in conformance with both State and Federal law.
Full Breakdown
Littleton's Title 3, Chapter 24 licensing scheme, adopted by Ordinance No. 02, Series of 2021 and effective February 11, 2021, defines 'FIREARMS RETAILER' in Section 3-24-2 to reach three categories of business: anyone selling firearms wholesale or retail, anyone repairing firearms or fitting barrels, stocks or trigger mechanisms, and, separately, any person who is a pawnbroker. That third category sweeps every pawnbroker operating in the city into the chapter regardless of whether firearms are a significant part of their business. Section 3-24-3 then requires a license before any covered person or business may sell firearms in the city.
To get one, Section 3-24-5 requires the applicant to hold a valid City of Littleton sales/use tax license, provide a valid federal firearms license from the ATF, and obtain Littleton Police Department approval of a Safe Storage and Security Measures Plan covering an alarm system with video recording at all entry and display points, locked-safe storage of firearms after hours, and at least two authorized contacts able to respond to an alarm within thirty minutes. Licenses run one year, are non-transferable, and terminate automatically if ownership of the premises changes (Section 3-24-8).
The Finance Director can deny a license for noncompliance or a failed security plan (Section 3-24-7), and the Police Department conducts at least an annual inspection of every licensed pawnbroker's premises during business hours (Section 3-24-5(c)).
Violations & Fines
Operating as a pawnbroker in Littleton without a current firearms retailer license, or out of compliance with an approved Safe Storage and Security Measures Plan, is unlawful under Section 3-24-9 and can draw suspension, revocation or non-renewal of the license plus a fine or imprisonment under the city's general penalty, Section 1-4-1, following a Notice to Show Cause hearing before the Finance Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pawnshop need a special license in Littleton?
What does a pawnbroker need to get licensed in Littleton?
How long does a Littleton pawnbroker license last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Littleton
Compare Littleton to another location·View the Colorado business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pawnbrokers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle pawnbrokers.