Licenses and Permits

For more specific and in-depth information, please navigate to the related pages listed to the left. The following information is meant to be used as a guide to help you determine which department(s) you will need to contact regarding licensing and permitting.

General Permitting and Licensing Information:

Individuals and entities desiring to operate medical or retail marijuana businesses, retail liquor businesses, ambulance services or secure transportation services within La Plata County must obtain licenses from the county prior to starting their operations. Other licenses from the state may also be required.

Further, businesses may need to obtain a state sales tax license or other permits and licenses to operate their business in La Plata County. The information below is not an exhaustive list of the permits or licenses a business may need, but provides information about frequently asked questions:

Unlike most other states in the U.S., Colorado does not require general contractor licensing at the state level. Likewise, La Plata County does not currently license businesses aside from liquor, marijuana, ambulances or secure transport, which differs from municipalities within La Plata County.

Even if a business license isn’t required by the county, a land use permit may still be necessary to operate a business in La Plata County.

Building Department
970-382-6251
Contact the Building Department

The county regulates construction and building standards through its building code (chapter 18 of the county’s code). Most new structures, buildings or changes to existing structures and buildings (example: converting use from residential to commercial) will require review and approval through the building department. Contact the building department or apply for a building permit apply for a building permit online.

Electrical permits and inspections can be obtained with the state by going to Electrical Board: Permit and Inspection Information | Division of Professions and Occupations (colorado.gov)

Planning Department
970-382-6263
Contact the Planning Department

The county regulates land use and other development through its land use code (chapters 62 through 90 of the county’s code). Most types of new uses and changes to existing uses (and other types of “development” as defined in the code) will require review and approval through the planning department, with examples of exceptions identified in sections 66-3 and 79-3. Contact the planning department or apply for a land use permit online.

Licensing
970-382-6252
lkinser-martin@lpcgov.org

Businesses involving liquor, marijuana, ambulances, and secure transportation must be licensed through the county. Contact the licensing coordinator for additional information.

Public Health
Environmental Health Division
(970)247-5702
Contact Environmental Health

All food service establishments selling, serving, and preparing food require a State of Colorado Retail Food Establishment License. La Plata County Public Health staff must inspect all facilities prior to operation. If interested in starting a retail food establishment or retail food market, contact the Public Health Department for assistance or review food safety information online.