Business Licensing & Operations in Denver, CO (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Denver licenses sexually oriented businesses under DRMC Ch. 7 with strict zoning buffers from schools, churches, daycares, and homes. Adult cabarets, bookstores, theaters, and modeling studios all need a Department of Excise and Licenses permit.
Sexually Oriented Business Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsMassage Establishments
Massage therapists need a Colorado state license under C.R.S. §12-235, and Denver requires a separate massage facility license under DRMC Ch. 32. The local rule targets human-trafficking and prostitution fronts with inspections, hours limits, and signage.
Massage Establishment Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsTobacco Retail License
Denver requires every tobacco, vape, and nicotine retailer to hold a city license under DRMC Ch. 24. The 2020 ordinance also bans flavored vape and tobacco sales citywide and raises the purchase age to 21 with photo-ID verification.
Tobacco and Vape Retailer License
Heavy RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Secondhand dealers in Denver must obtain a license under DRMC Ch. 47 and report each transaction to police via the LeadsOnline system within 24 hours. Colorado C.R.S. §12-56-104 requires a five-day hold on purchased property.
Secondhand Dealer License
Some RestrictionsPawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers in Denver must hold a state pawnbroker license under C.R.S. §12-56-104 plus a city license, file daily transaction reports with the Denver Sheriff via LeadsOnline, and obey rate caps and statutory hold periods on pledged property.
Pawnbroker Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsTowing Companies
Tow operators in Denver are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission as Towing Carriers under C.R.S. §40-10.1, and DRMC Ch. 54 governs nonconsensual tows from private property, posting requirements, drop fees, and storage rates.
Towing Company Regulation
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Denver County →