Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a landscaping business in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

$200 -- $600 1–4 weeks depending on services offered 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Denver / Denver County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Denver Business License

Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Landscaping companies must register and renew annually.

$25–$50/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Denver Building Permit (for structural work)

Required for landscaping projects involving structural elements such as retaining walls over 4 feet, pergolas, irrigation system connections to potable water, or grading that alters drainage. Issued by Denver Community Planning and Development.

$50–$500+ depending on project scope1–4 weeks
Official government source

Colorado State Requirements

4 requirements
1

Colorado Sales Tax License

Required if your landscaping business sells retail products (plants, mulch, materials) or if labor on taxable property improvements is subject to sales tax. Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

$16/yearImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

Colorado Secretary of State Business Registration

Required to formally register your landscaping business as a legal entity in Colorado. Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most common approach.

$50 (LLC filing fee)1–5 business days
Official government source
3

CO Dept of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License

Required if your business applies pesticides, herbicides, or restricted-use chemicals on customer property. Issued by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Requires passing a written exam in the applicable category.

$90–$150/year2–4 weeks (exam scheduling)
Official government source
4

CO DORA Contractor License (for construction work)

If your landscaping business performs construction work (hardscaping, irrigation, drainage) valued over $2,000, you may need a contractor license from DORA. Colorado does not have a statewide general contractor license — check Denver CPD requirements.

$100–$300 + bond2–4 weeks
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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