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Licensing & Permitting Requirements
This page summarizes the requirements for licensing and permitting with the City of Fort Lupton. The information included on this page applies to new development projects, new businesses moving into the City, and existing businesses for situations that include, but are not limited to required renewals, expanding, relocating, and/or making physical improvements to their building or site. This may not be a comprehensive list of all potential requirements for your project, and it is the business owner and/or developer's responsibility to contact City staff for additional requirements not covered by this document. This does not include any requirements of agencies outside of the City, such as the Fire District, County, State, and Federal organizations and it is the responsibility of the owner and/or developer to contact these groups directly.
DOES THE PROPOSED BUSINESS (OR USE) COMPLY WITH ADOPTED ZONING?
You must ensure that the zoning for the property you are proposing to conduct business at conforms with the use you are proposing. For more information on zoning, visit the Zoning webpage at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/405/Zoning.
Note that commercial, multifamily and industrial projects are subject to Planning Department review. This includes, but is not limited to, new construction, additions, or moving into an existing space (even if no changes are proposed to the building or site). See the section titled 'DID YOU MEET WITH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT' below for more information.
DID YOU MEET WITH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT?
Commercial, multifamily and industrial projects are subject to Planning Department review. This includes, but is not limited to, new construction, additions, or moving into an existing space (even if no changes are proposed to the building or site). This is to ensure the business complies with the existing zoning regulations adopted by the City. (See Chapter 16, Article I (Special Use Permits) and Article VIII (Site Plans), of the FLMC.)
Site plans and/or special use permits are required for multi-family, commercial and industrial development in the City. This may require a public hearing process, so the sooner you discuss your project with the Planning Department, the better. In some instances, the City is able to review smaller projects administratively.
A pre-application meeting is a free meeting with the Fire District, Planning, Building, and Public Works Departments and the best way to get direction on your project. The pre-application meeting is required prior to moving forward with the land use process. Information on how to request this meeting can be found at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/445/Land-Use-Application-Process-Forms.
For more information, visit the Planning page at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/445/Land-Use-Application-Process-Forms.
DID YOU SUBMIT A SET OF PLANS TO THE FIRE DISTRICT?
The Fort Lupton Fire District is a separate entity from the City and has its own plan review process for all commercial, industrial, multi-family, and institutional buildings. Contact the Fire District or visit their website for more information on this at https://fortluptonfire.org/contractors/.
IS YOUR PROPERTY HISTORICALLY DESIGNATED?
If you have a historically designated property, all exterior changes must be approved by the Historic Preservation Board prior to starting. This applies for projects that require building permits or not. There are some exceptions for what requires Historic Preservation Board approval, but you should contact the Planning Department prior to beginning any exterior work for more information.
For a list of historically designated properties in the City of Fort Lupton, visit https://www.fortluptonco.gov/425/Historic-Designation.
ARE YOU OPERATING A BUSINESS FROM YOUR HOME?
Prior to conducting any commercial activities within a residence, a Home Occupation Certification must be applied for and approved by the Planning Department. The number of customers and employees permitted is limited pursuant to Code requirements, and the activities must not affect the surrounding neighborhood. (See Section 16-65 of the Municipal Code.)
For more information on the requirements for a Home Occupation Certificate contact the Planning Department. An application to request for a home occupation can be found at Home Occupation Application.
BUSINESS LICENSE
A business license is required for any business prior to selling items at retail or furnishing services. A business license must be renewed each year. Contact the City Clerk's office for more information on this, or visit https://www.fortluptonco.gov/528/Business-License-Application.
ARE YOU RUNNING A FOOD TRUCK?
Separate licensing is required to run a food truck in City limits. Contact the City Clerk or visit the City of Fort Lupton’s website for more information at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/552/Mobile-Food-Vending-License-SolicitorsPe.
ARE YOU SOLICITING OR PEDDLING IN THE CITY?
Separate licensing is required for soliciting or peddling in City limits. Contact the City Clerk or visit the City of Fort Lupton’s website for more information at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/552/Mobile-Food-Vending-License-SolicitorsPe.
DO YOU NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
The City requires a permit for an extensive list of indoor and outdoor projects, with fees based on the cost of the project. Acquiring a building permit ensures that a project meets the minimum code and safety standards. Professional contractors are required to obtain the applicable and necessary permits for residential and commercial construction. If the property is historically designated, please see the section 'Is Your Property Historically Designated' under "General Requirements."
For a general list of work that requires building permits, and information on how to apply for a permit, visit https://www.fortluptonco.gov/210/Building-Applications.
DO YOU HAVE A CONTRACTORS' LICENSE?
All contractors performing work in Fort Lupton must be licensed with the City, and must be renewed annually. Information on obtaining a contractor's license can be found at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/214/Contractor-License.