Temporary modification of premises

Colorado Liquor Code Regulation 47-302 provides that, after a liquor or beer license has been issued, the licensee cannot make any physical change, alteration, or modification of the premises that materially or substantially alters the premises, or the use of the premises, from the plans and specifications, including walls submitted at the time of obtaining the original license without the previous written consent of the local and state licensing authorities.

Previous approval required

  • A licensee must seek approval from the Department of Excise and Licenses and the state Liquor Enforcement Division before any material or substantial modification of a licensed premise.
  • Application forms must be submitted 30 days before the proposed event start date for temporary modifications.

Online form application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

 

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Zoning use permit

A zone use permit if the proposed modification alters the zoning use.

This license requires a zoning use permit.

A zoning use permit grants the applicant/owner of a lot, building, or structure permission for the requested use of the land. "Use" can be any activity, occupation, business, or operation in a building or on a lot/tract of land.

If you currently do not have a zone use permit, you may apply instead with a Acknowledgement of Zone Use Permit(PDF, 87KB). This will allow you to begin your application while you secure a proper zone use permit. Your license will not issue until a proper zone use permit has submitted. Applications that fail to provide a zone use permit will not issue or be eligible for a refund.

  1. Before contacting Zoning, email CPD Records to ask if there's an existing zoning use permit for your address. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.
  2. If they respond that there isn't a zoning use permit for your address, then email Zoning to apply for a permit. They will tell you if you're zoned for the use. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.

Email

cpd.permitrecords@denvergov.org

zoning.review@denvergov.org

Step 5.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below.

Important notes to keep in mind about your documents:

  • All materials must be digital files saved as a .pdf or .jpg. Do not include any other file types. The Department of Excise and Licenses cannot accept other file types.
  • Use numbers or letters but not characters such as symbols (/ ? < > \ : * | “ ^) or spaces that could cause complications.
    • For example:
      • Good filename: drivers-license-name-2022.pdf
      • Bad filename: last name/ id.pdf
  • In some cases, you might need to combine documents and upload them in a single .pdf. You can use a free, online tool to merge documents into a single file. 
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (such as a lease) must be included in the application.
  • All materials must be legible. 
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 6.Submit an application

To submit your application, please go to this online application, fill it out, attach all required documents and submit online.

Please make sure that you have all of your required documents and information ready when you start your application. If you need to gather the information during the application process you can "Save" and resume the application at a later date.

After applying, you will receive an invoice to pay fees. You cannot pay fees until you have received an invoice. Visit the online payment process page or watch the "How to pay online" video for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 7.Pay required fees

$300 for a temporary modification of premises ($150 build-up, $150 tear-down)

Fees can be paid by check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 8.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 9.Public hearing

Depending on the decisions made by the director of Excise and Licenses, a hearing could be held.

  • A public hearing is scheduled once all other requirements are complete.
  • An area is designated around the proposed location from where residents and business owners/managers can sign petitions and testify at the public hearing.
  • A sign is posted at the premises of the proposed liquor license for at least 20 days before the hearing. 
  • The posting sign must follow these guidelines:
    • Be white, sturdy, and measure 22 inches wide by 26 inches high with letters not less than 1 inch high.
    • Indicate the type of license, the date and time of the hearing, the name and address of the licensee and any partners or officers of the licensee.
    • Be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises so it is visible and legible.
    • Contain a map of the designated area.
    • Contents to be included on the posting sign will be established by the Department of Excise and Licenses.
  • Registered neighborhood organizations, public newspapers, City Council and the police district are notified of the application and public hearing.
  • Petitions are circulated in support and against the proposed liquor license. Read more about petitions(PDF, 54KB).  
  • Public hearing is held.
  • Final decision is issued by the director of Excise and Licenses.

Read more about public hearings

Step 10.Required inspections

An inspection notice will be emailed after the hearing is complete. You may not start inspections until the liquor hearing has been approved. Inspections required for this license, listed by department, are below under "Required inspections."
  

Step 11.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Mail application

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

 

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Zoning use permit

A zone use permit if the proposed modification alters the zoning use.

This license requires a zoning use permit.

A zoning use permit grants the applicant/owner of a lot, building, or structure permission for the requested use of the land. "Use" can be any activity, occupation, business, or operation in a building or on a lot/tract of land.

If you currently do not have a zone use permit, you may apply instead with a Acknowledgement of Zone Use Permit(PDF, 87KB). This will allow you to begin your application while you secure a proper zone use permit. Your license will not issue until a proper zone use permit has submitted. Applications that fail to provide a zone use permit will not issue or be eligible for a refund.

  1. Before contacting Zoning, email CPD Records to ask if there's an existing zoning use permit for your address. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.
  2. If they respond that there isn't a zoning use permit for your address, then email Zoning to apply for a permit. They will tell you if you're zoned for the use. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.

Email

cpd.permitrecords@denvergov.org

zoning.review@denvergov.org

Step 5.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 6.Submit an application

Applicants can mail their application with fees to:
City and County of Denver
Department of Excise and Licenses
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 206
Denver, CO 80202
  • Make checks payable to: Manager of Finance
  • Include a current email address in case the Department needs to reach out with questions.
  • If renewing, include your business file number.
For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 7.Pay required fees

$300 for a temporary modification of premises ($150 build-up, $150 tear-down)

Fees can be paid by check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 8.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 9.Public hearing

Depending on the decisions made by the director of Excise and Licenses, a hearing could be held.

  • A public hearing is scheduled once all other requirements are complete.
  • An area is designated around the proposed location from where residents and business owners/managers can sign petitions and testify at the public hearing.
  • A sign is posted at the premises of the proposed liquor license for at least 20 days before the hearing. 
  • The posting sign must follow these guidelines:
    • Be white, sturdy, and measure 22 inches wide by 26 inches high with letters not less than 1 inch high.
    • Indicate the type of license, the date and time of the hearing, the name and address of the licensee and any partners or officers of the licensee.
    • Be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises so it is visible and legible.
    • Contain a map of the designated area.
    • Contents to be included on the posting sign will be established by the Department of Excise and Licenses.
  • Registered neighborhood organizations, public newspapers, City Council and the police district are notified of the application and public hearing.
  • Petitions are circulated in support and against the proposed liquor license. Read more about petitions(PDF, 54KB).  
  • Public hearing is held.
  • Final decision is issued by the director of Excise and Licenses.

Read more about public hearings

Step 10.Required inspections

An inspection notice will be emailed after the hearing is complete. You may not start inspections until the liquor hearing has been approved. Inspections required for this license, listed by department, are below under "Required inspections."
  

Step 11.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

Apply in person

Step 1.Before you apply

Read the ordinance for this license under "Municipal Code" on the right side of the page to make sure this license is right for you.

 

Step 2.Find your state license number

State license number

Step 3.Pay state renewal fees

Receipt of payment of state fees will need to be uploaded. This link will help take you to where you can pay the state fees.

Step 4.Zoning use permit

A zone use permit if the proposed modification alters the zoning use.

This license requires a zoning use permit.

A zoning use permit grants the applicant/owner of a lot, building, or structure permission for the requested use of the land. "Use" can be any activity, occupation, business, or operation in a building or on a lot/tract of land.

If you currently do not have a zone use permit, you may apply instead with a Acknowledgement of Zone Use Permit(PDF, 87KB). This will allow you to begin your application while you secure a proper zone use permit. Your license will not issue until a proper zone use permit has submitted. Applications that fail to provide a zone use permit will not issue or be eligible for a refund.

  1. Before contacting Zoning, email CPD Records to ask if there's an existing zoning use permit for your address. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.
  2. If they respond that there isn't a zoning use permit for your address, then email Zoning to apply for a permit. They will tell you if you're zoned for the use. Allow up to 10 business days for a response to your inquiry.

Email

cpd.permitrecords@denvergov.org

zoning.review@denvergov.org

Step 5.Gather all required documents

Make sure you have everything from the "Required documents" section below. 

Remember:  
  • All materials must be printed and legible. 
  • Do not use staples in the documents.
  • Legal documents must be signed, dated and executed. All pages of large legal documents (like a lease) must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 6.Submit an application

Applicants can come to the office to submit their documents in person. Customers seeking in-person customer service should make an appointment. To make an appointment, visit the appointments website. The Excise and Licenses office is at 201 W Colfax Ave., on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. 

Customers can pay their fees after they receive an invoice. Visit the online payments process page for more information.

  • Make sure that you have a bank account, Mastercard, Visa, or Discover card to pay online. 

Applicants are encouraged to pay their fees online, but in-person payments are available. After receiving an invoice, customers can go to the Community Planning and Development cashier counter on the second floor of the Wellington Webb Municipal Building. Cashiers are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

  • Cash, checks (payable to “Manager of Finance”), Visa, Mastercard, and Discover card are all accepted.

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

Step 7.Pay required fees

$300 for a temporary modification of premises ($150 build-up, $150 tear-down)

Fees can be paid by check or money order payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Step 8.City application review and next steps

Excise and Licenses tries to conduct an initial review of a complete application within seven business days. The review process might take longer if it is incomplete or requires police review (if applicable).

  • All application-related communications will be sent through email, from EXLNotifications@denvergov.org. Do not respond to these emails as this inbox is not monitored.
  • If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a "notice of deficiency" email. This allows 14 days for corrections. License endorsement requests and incidents on a background check need police review.
  • All applications will be closed if they are not completed within 12 months.

Step 9.Public hearing

Depending on the decisions made by the director of Excise and Licenses, a hearing could be held.

  • A public hearing is scheduled once all other requirements are complete.
  • An area is designated around the proposed location from where residents and business owners/managers can sign petitions and testify at the public hearing.
  • A sign is posted at the premises of the proposed liquor license for at least 20 days before the hearing. 
  • The posting sign must follow these guidelines:
    • Be white, sturdy, and measure 22 inches wide by 26 inches high with letters not less than 1 inch high.
    • Indicate the type of license, the date and time of the hearing, the name and address of the licensee and any partners or officers of the licensee.
    • Be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises so it is visible and legible.
    • Contain a map of the designated area.
    • Contents to be included on the posting sign will be established by the Department of Excise and Licenses.
  • Registered neighborhood organizations, public newspapers, City Council and the police district are notified of the application and public hearing.
  • Petitions are circulated in support and against the proposed liquor license. Read more about petitions(PDF, 54KB).  
  • Public hearing is held.
  • Final decision is issued by the director of Excise and Licenses.

Read more about public hearings

Step 10.Required inspections

An inspection notice will be emailed after the hearing is complete. You may not start inspections until the liquor hearing has been approved. Inspections required for this license, listed by department, are below under "Required inspections."
  

Step 11.License issuance

After all the steps below are complete, email licenses@denvergov.org to let the Department know you want your license emailed. Include the business file number (BFN), and the name and address of the business.

  1. All required documents are complete and submitted (if applicable).
  2. Fees are paid in full.
  3. All required inspections are passed (if applicable).

The licensee should read "Once you have your license" below and follow the requirements.

  • Application forms must be submitted 30 days before the proposed construction start date.
  • Permit application and report of changes DR 8442
  • Authorization document such as a lease, deed or letter from the landlord on company letterhead authorizing for the temporary modification to take place.
  • Authorization documents depending on property use:

  • Diagrams (Before the modification, proposed modification, and after the modification).

  • The floor plan drawing must be on paper that is 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches with dimensions included. The diagram does not have to be to scale, but it 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.). The floor plan drawing must be on paper that is 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches with dimensions included.
    • A diagram for each floor if multiple levels, outlined in red to indicate the liquor 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 diagram of the kitchen 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.
    • Entity name, trade name, and address details of the business. 
    • If applicable, detailed sketch showing entertainment and/or dance areas (include dimensions).
  • If the building does not exist at the time the license is applied for, the applicant must submit an architect's drawing to be constructed.
  • A list of equipment if the applicant is applying for a tavern-class liquor license and the proposed premises does not have a kitchen area.

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

License must be displayed

Excise and Licenses will email a professional license to all licensees. This license (or a clear picture of it) must always be displayed.

Requirement to keep contact information up to date

Email licenses@denvergov.org to notify the Department of any contact information changes (place of business, onsite manager, etc.). These updates must be submitted within 72 hours of the change. 

Requirement to renew annually

Licenses expire annually. It is unlawful to operate with an expired license. A renewal application must be filed before the license expires.

Hours of operation

Office hours
 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Liquor office hours
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday

State statutes

Municipal code

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