Home Business in Denver, CO (2026)
3 verified home business rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Denver caps home occupations at 20% of a dwelling's floor area (300 sq ft max) and requires the operator to live on-site, per Zoning Code Division 11.9.
Denver Home Occupation Zoning Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 11.9.2.5
One or more Home Occupation(s), whether located within a primary dwelling unit or a detached accessory structure, shall not in the aggregate utilize more than 20 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit primary use, but in no case shall exceed 300 square feet.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Denver requires several home-based businesses, limited retail/repair services, non-medical offices, and professional studios, to see clients by appointment only, banning walk-in visits, with tutoring or learning-center home occupations capped at six students at once.
Denver Home Business Client Visit Limits
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 11.9.4.6
A. All services provided shall be by appointment only. Walk-in appointments are prohibited. ... C. Learning center or tutoring services shall have be provided to no more than 6 students simultaneously.
Home Daycare
Denver allows small home daycares (up to 6 children) as a home occupation, but large child care homes (7 to 12 children) need a zoning permit requiring owner-occupancy, full-time supervision, and a traffic plan if next to another large home daycare.
Denver Home Daycare Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsDenver Zoning Code § 11.9.3
Large Child Care Home, where permitted with limitations, is permitted as a Home Occupation subject to compliance with the following limitations: The applicant shall be the owner or the applicant has written permission of the owner of the subject property. The proposed Large Child Care Home is the applicant's primary place of residence. ... the proposed home shall provide full-time supervision o...