Business Licensing & Operations in Commerce City, CO (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Commerce City, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Commerce City requires a separate sexually oriented business license for every adult arcade, bookstore, cabaret, motel or theater under Municipal Code section 9-3602, on top of a Land Development Code rule keeping any such business at least a thousand feet from homes, schools, churches, parks, child care facilities and other adult entertainment uses. Operating without the license, or inside the buffer, is unlawful.
Commerce City Sexually Oriented Business License
Significant RestrictionsCommerce City Revised Municipal Code §§ 9-3601, 9-3602
Sexually oriented business means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, or other similar business and includes: (1)The opening or commencement of any sexually oriented business as a new business; ... ... Sec. 9-3602. - Sexually oriented business license required. It shall be unlawful to operate or cause to be operated a sexuall...
Massage Establishments
Commerce City requires every massage facility to hold a massage facility license under Municipal Code section 9-3703, and operating one without both the required state massage therapist licenses and the city license is a misdemeanor. Standards of conduct under section 9-3706 ban draping violations, sexual acts for compensation and operating between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., with violations enforced through the municipal court.
Commerce City Massage Facility License Rules
Significant RestrictionsCommerce City Revised Municipal Code § 9-3703
No person shall own or operate a massage facility, or allow a massage facility to be operated on his or her premises, within the city unless all required state and local licenses and a massage facility license issued in accordance with this division are in effect. Any person convicted of violating this subdivision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties set forth ...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Commerce City has no separate tattoo-parlor licensing chapter; instead, a tattoo studio operates under the city's general business license required of every business under section 9-1001, and criminal liability for tattooing a minor is handled by a single, narrow rule at section 12-7004: it is unlawful to tattoo any minor unless the minor's parent or guardian is present for, and has consented to, the procedure.
Commerce City Tattoo Minor Consent Rule
Light RestrictionsCommerce City Revised Municipal Code § 12-7004
It shall be unlawful for any person to tattoo any minor unless the minor's parent or guardian is present for, and has consented to, the procedure.
Pawnbrokers
Anyone operating a pawnshop in Commerce City needs a pawnbroker license under Revised Municipal Code § 9-3202, on top of full compliance with Colorado's pawnbroker statute, C.R.S. tit. 12, art. 56, required by section 9-3203. The city can run a background check on the applicant or any ten-percent-plus owner, and can deny, suspend or revoke the license for fraud, unpaid taxes, or a failure to stay financially responsible.
Commerce City Pawnbroker Licensing Rule
Significant RestrictionsCommerce City Revised Municipal Code §§ 9-3202, 9-3203
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of a pawnbroker within the city without having first obtained a pawnbroker license in accordance with this division. ... In addition to the requirements and regulations contained in this division, every pawnbroker licensed under this division shall comply with all requirements and regulations of the State of Colorado regarding the li...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Commerce City's Land Development Code bars motor vehicle repair from qualifying as a home occupation. Section 21-5240 requires a city business license for any home-based business, caps patron visits at eight per day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., and lists repair of motor vehicles among activities flatly prohibited inside a residence, garage, or accessory structure citywide.
Home Auto Repair Banned in Commerce City
Heavy RestrictionsCommerce City Land Development Code § 21-5240(3)(f)
(1)Licensure. A city business license shall be required for all home occupations.(2)Standards. Home occupations shall comply with the following standards:(a)Home occupations shall be clearly incidental and accessory to the use of the residence as a dwelling;(b)No more than eight patron visits per day shall be permitted and all visits shall occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ... ...
Towing Companies
Tow truck operators in Commerce City need a Colorado Public Utilities Commission permit before towing any vehicle, and they can't solicit business by driving to or stopping near an accident scene unless called there. Private property owners can have an unauthorized vehicle towed by a PUC-licensed operator, who must immediately report it to the Commerce City Police Department.
Commerce City Non-Consent Tow Operator Rules
Some RestrictionsCommerce City Revised Municipal Code §§ 11-2103, 11-44
(a)Permit required. ... It is unlawful for any person to drive or cause any tow truck or vehicle equipped to provide towing service to be driven unless a permit has been obtained from the public utilities commission.(b)On-site solicitation prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to drive any tow truck or vehicle equipped to provide towing service to, or to stop such vehicle at, or to cause su...
Looking for Adams County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Commerce City city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Adams County →