BEFORE OPENING ANY BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF LAFAYETTE CONTACT:
City of Lafayette
1290 South Public Road
Lafayette, CO 80026
Tel. (303) 665-5588
Fax (303) 665-2153

You may need to talk with several departments including the City Clerk, the Community Development Department, and the Finance Department. Information is available from the Community Development department that may help you make decisions regarding your small or start-up business.

This information includes:
The Comprehensive Plan - a series of documents setting forth goals and policies for the future of Lafayette.  The Plan is a statement of how the community views itself, what the city envisions for the community's future, and the actions the city will undertake to implement the vision and goals of the community.
The City Charter and Code of Ordinances - City of Lafayette, Colorado, provides the official and most complete accounting of all city regulations, some of which may pertain to your business. See especially chapters: 26-Development and Zoning, 30-Buildings and Building Regulations, 55-Licenses and Business Regulations, and 110-Taxation.

SALES AND USE TAX LICENSE
Finance Department
(303)665-5588 ext. 3315

Application for Sales and Use Tax License
For many types of businesses the City of Lafayette does not require a city business license. For businesses selling tangible personal property in the City, Lafayette requires a Sales and Use Tax License. Your business must obtain the City sales tax license prior to conducting business.

If you purchase an existing business, the sales tax license for that business is not transferable. Your business must collect a 3.50% city sales tax on the purchase price or sales price paid or charged for tangible personal property and certain taxable services when purchased, leased, rented, or sold at retail within the City of Lafayette (wholesale exempt).

The Sales and Use Tax License is obtained by filling out an application obtained from the City Finance Department. Call the Finance Department to verify that your business requires this license. No fee is required for the license. Use this link to download a copy of the Application for Sales and Use Tax License.

SPECIAL LICENSING
City Clerk
(303)665-5588 ext. 3313

Some businesses do require a special business license application and special licensing under Chapter 55 of the City Code - Licenses and Business Regulations. The fees and application form vary as to the type of license. Following are examples of businesses that must be licensed:
Coin Operated Machines (juke boxes, video game machines, pinball machines)
Liquor Stores
Massage Parlors
Pawnbrokers

Building Division
(303)665-5588 ext. 3329

Contractors need to contact the Building Division for special licensing requirements. Contractors include general, electrical, mechanical, and special.

ZONING, LAND USE AND LOCATION:
Planning Division
(303)665-5588 ext. 3329

Zoning Regulations
In selecting a business location, you first need to ensure that the location has the appropriate zoning for your type of business. The City of Lafayette Planning Division will advise you regarding the zoning regulations for your particular business.

City Planning and Zoning Map
The Planning Division has a zoning map for your review. Consult the City Planning and Zoning Map (also available at the Lafayette Public Library) and one or more of the following:

Table 26A - Permitted Uses
Table 26-A defines more than 60 categories of uses and establishments permitted, not permitted, or requiring special review in 11 zoning categories. Your business use of a location may be automatically permitted. You may have 'use by right' because existing zoning permits the use that you want for your location.

Table 26B - Dimensional Standards
In addition to your business being appropriate to the location and zoning, the principal building and any accessory structure also must meet distance to street(s) and lot requirements per Table 26-B.

Special Use Review
If your selected location does not have the zoning required for your type of business, then the City Planning Division will discuss with you the possibilities and procedures for obtaining a Special Use Review. If Special Review for use is allowed by the zoning category for the location you want, then the Special Use Review Application Form and a hearing are required, along with a Special Use Application Fee.

Home Occupations
If your business is a home-based one, you still need to consult the City Planning Division, check the City Planning and Zoning Map and Table 26-A for a list of categories of uses and establishments permitted, not permitted, or requiring special review in 11 zoning categories. If your home-based business fits the category of Home Occupations then you need to follow Section 26-14-9 of the City Code.

Temporary Outdoor Sales, Storage or Display of Merchandise
Your business may involve temporary outdoor sales, storage, or display of merchandise. If you are the occupant of the building or other person, there are conditions which must be met that are outlined in Section 26-14-15.1 of the City Code - Temporary Outdoor Sales, Storage or Display of Merchandise.

Building or Remodeling
If you are planning on building an establishment or facility or doing significant remodeling to an existing structure, you need to consult the City of Lafayette Planning and Building Division. This process may include the Building Permit Application, and/or Site Plan Architectural Review Application Form (with a process graphic and review criteria). The Review process includes consideration of the proposed building, landscaping, lighting, parking, and other factors. The City may attach conditions to the final permit. The City requires a Site Plan/Architectural Review.

Signage
The City Planning Division administers signage regulations. All businesses must comply with the city sign code and the Lead Code Compliance Specialist in the Community Development Department will assist you in applying the code to your sign idea. Table 26-D - Schedule of Sign Requirements categorizes class and signs permitted by zoning district along with other specifications. Prior to sign construction, you may need to fill out the Sign Permit Application  submit it and a fee to Planning and Building Division for approval.

New Business.pdf (208.6KB)   General information on starting a new business in Lafayette.

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