Start HereOutlined on this page are the key steps involved in operating your business in the City of Glenwood Springs whether you are moving your business into the city or starting from scratch includ

Start HereOutlined on this page are the key steps involved in operating your business in the City of Glenwood Springs whether you are moving your business into the city or starting from scratch including site selection, zoning, parking requirements, possible fees, business license application, and renewals.It is highly recommended you speak with Community Development staff about your business plans before signing lease agreements to ensure you are aware of all regulations and fees.Is your Business Brand New?If you are starting your business from the ground up, there are a few things you must do first to comply with state and federal regulations. The Small Business Administration offers a 10 Step Guide to Starting a Business in both English and Spanish to set your business up for success, below are three key pieces of information you need to submit a business license application. Review the Business Resources page for even more resources for your business.Get your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)File with the Secretary of State RegistrationRegister your business with the state of ColoradoApply for a Glenwood Springs business and sales tax licenseFirst - FeasibilityThe first step towards opening your doors for business is feasibility - determining where your business is allowed to operate and to understand what upgrades are necessary to make a space suitable for your operation, as well as any accompanying fees.Site SelectionREsimplifi is a site selection tool that helps current and prospective businesses find available commercial properties for sale or lease within Glenwood Springs. Listings include all available property types including industrial, retail, office, mixed-use, and land sites compiled from multiple sites or can be submitted directly by the broker by contacting [email protected]. ZoningReview the zoning districts and municipal code to see the lists of allowed uses that govern where your business can locate. See the Zoning page or contact Community Development at 970-384-6450 for more information.Zoning Map Table of Allowed Uses from municipal code lists both residential and commercial uses, click the blue expand button to make the table easier to read and scroll down till you find the row that best describes your business.Food Trucks can be found under “Temporary Uses” and note that if you intend to park your truck on private property you must secure permissions from the owner of the property.ParkingAfter you have confirmed your business is an allowed use per the zoning map, you must also make sure there is enough parking spaces for your customers. The right-hand side of the Table of Allowed Uses from the previous step lists the required minimum parking for each type of use. Contact Community Development at 970-384-6450 with any questions.FeesBefore you submit your business license application it is important to understand what fees might be associated with starting your business, please reach out to the Community Development Department to review if fees associated with starting your business will be required by City Code.System Improvement Fees may apply to ensure our city infrastructure is able to meet increases in demand caused by a significant change of use in a location System Improvement Fees are charged to offset impacts to water, sewer, fire, schools, and parkland. Municipal code section 080.060 – System Improvement Fees.Second - ApplicationOnce you have confirmed your business is an allowed use for zone you wish to locate in and that there will be enough parking spaces for your customers per the municipal code the next step is to submit your business license application.Business ApplicationComplete your business and sales tax license application online by using the MuniRevs system, our Finance and Community Development staff will review applications in the order they are received and reach out with next steps.If you are a returning temporary vendor (Food Truck), call the Finance Department at (970) 384-6455 before submitting the application to see if the deposit is required.Building InspectionBoth new businesses submitting an application and existing businesses going through a change in ownership must complete a building inspection before a business license will be issued.License RenewalBusiness licenses are valid for up to 2 years, expiring at the end of odd-numbered years. Renewals are all handled through the MuniRevs system.*Last updated 11/19/2025