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)
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:
- For information about obtaining a Colorado sales tax license, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or go to https://tax.colorado.gov/how-to-apply-for-a-colorado-sales-tax-license
- For information about a retail food establishment license, please contact the La Plata County Public Health Department at 970-247-5702. All food service establishments selling, serving, and preparing food require a State of Colorado Retail Food Establishment License.
- New businesses may be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State by going to Colorado Secretary of State - File a Form (coloradosos.gov)
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.
- For information regarding business licensing within Durango city limits, contact 970-375-5010 or go to Licensing | Durango, CO - Official Website (durangogov.org)
- For information regarding business licensing with Bayfield town limits, contact 970-884-9544 or go to Business Licensing | Bayfield, CO (bayfieldgov.org)
- For information regarding business licensing within Ignacio town limits, contact 970-563-9494
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
Licensing
970-382-6252
lkinser-martin@lpcgov.org
Public Health
Environmental Health Division
(970)247-5702
Contact Environmental Health