Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

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

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $200–$600 est. 1–4 weeks depending on services offered
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Colorado

4 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $16/yearImmediate (online application)

  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.

    Official government source

    $50 (LLC filing fee)1–5 business days

  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.

    Official government source

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

  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.

    Official government source

    $100–$300 + bond2–4 weeks

City of Denver / Denver County

2 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    $25–$50/year1–2 weeks

  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.

    Official government source

    $50–$500+ depending on project scope1–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$600 · 1–4 weeks depending on services offered

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Official Sources

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