Bed and Breakfast Permit

A zone use permit is required before obtaining a bed and breakfast permit. 

Requirements

• Complimentary beer, wine and alcohol are served for consumption on the licensed premises only to overnight guests.
• The sale of alcohol by the drink or in sealed containers is prohibited.
• Alcohol service by the drink can be offered for no more than four hours in any one day.
• The facility has no more than 20 sleeping rooms
• The facility provides at least one meal per day at no charge other than for overnight lodging
• The public hearing process is waived for bed and breakfast applications.

Multiple interests

Multiple interests are allowed with bed and breakfast permits in other bed and breakfast permits, hotel and restaurant licenses, tavern licenses, brew pub licenses, club licenses, arts licenses, racetrack licenses, public transportation system licenses, optional premises licenses, retail gaming tavern licenses, and vintner's restaurant license.

Distance restriction

A 500-foot distance restriction from public and parochial schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries does not apply to bed and breakfast  permit applications. 

All documents are to be submitted to the Denver Department of Excise and Licenses.

• Make sure no staples are in the documents.
• Bed and Breakfast Permit Application(PDF, 148KB) 
• Individual History Form(PDF, 155KB) 
• Fingerprints. Read more about fingerprinting and background checks.
• Right of possession documents (lease or deed). The lease must be valid for at least 90 days from when the application is submitted.
• The floor plan drawing is to be on paper that is 8 1/2 by 11 inches with dimensions included. The diagram does not have to be to scale, but must reflect the area to be licensed, including depictions of the following:
• Exterior areas showing control of the licensed premises (fences, walls, doors, gates, etc.)
• A diagram for each floor plan, outlined in red to indicate the boundary (including external and internal walls, doors, fences, gates, and the like). The diagram must identify the kitchen area if the applicant is applying for a hotel and restaurant class liquor license. The kitchen diagram must include the range, refrigerator, sinks, dishwashers, and other industrial equipment.
• Location of the proposed licensed premises designating where alcohol will be sold, served, stored, distributed or consumed
• One diagram must have the licensed liquor area outlined in red.
• One diagram must have the licensed liquor area outline in black.

Application fee

State - $71.25 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue

City -   $1,000 plus other fees assigned at time of application

Colorado Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting:  $38.50 per person for anyone who owns at least 10% of the business entity.

License fees will be calculated at the time the application is submitted to the City.

• Development Services 720-865-2982
• Denver Fire Department 720-913-3409
• Department of Public Health and Environment 720-865-5401
• Department of Excise and Licenses 720-913-1311 (Last inspection - Schedule when all other inspections have been passed.)

Your permit will be issued when the following actions are taken: 

1. All required documents are complete and submitted to the office
2. All fees are paid
3. All approvals are given by the state and local offices.

You should stay in touch with the Department of Excise and Licenses during the application process as each step can vary from the general steps described herein depending on your particular circumstances.

• Bed and Breakfast Permit(PDF, 148KB) 

State fees:  $71.25 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue

Local fees:  $25 made payable to the Manager of Finance plus other license fees applicable to the license holder

Licenses must be renewed on or before the expiration date to avoid penalty fees.

90-day grace period

There is a 90-day grace period from the expiration date during which licenses can be renewed for a penalty fee.

Late application fee:  $500 made payable to the Manager of Finance

After 90 days: A new license application is required

Department of Excise and Licenses inspectors will attempt to locate and notify business license holders of the approaching expiration date.  But failure of an inspector to notify a delinquent licensee that its license has expired does not excuse the licensee from any applicable late penalty.