Specialty Licenses

Certain types of businesses operating in Westminster require a Specialty License

Completed applications with the appropriate fees, checks made payable to the City of Westminster, can be submitted:

• In person at the City Clerk's Office, 4800 W. 92nd Ave.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• By mail to the City Clerk's Office, 4800 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, CO 80031

All Specialty License types require annual renewal.  

Solid Waste/Recycling License

This license is for trash haulers operating within the city. Solid waste haulers providing services to residents and commercial buildings within the city must hold a valid Solid Waste/Recycling License AND a City of Westminster Business License. Solid waste haulers must offer recycling services in order to conduct business in the City of Westminster.

To apply: 

1. Return the completed Solid Waste/Recycling License application with the required fees. The yearly fee for this license is $250 for the company license, $250 for each solid waste vehicle, and $10 for each vehicle collecting recyclable materials only.
2. Complete the Online License Application in the GenTax portal. 

For specific Westminster licensing requirements, refer to Title V, Chapter 7 of the Westminster Municipal Code.

Security Guard Business License (not individual guards)

Security guard businesses providing services within the city must hold a valid Security Guard Business License AND a City of Westminster Business License.

To apply: 

1. Return the completed Security Guard License application with the required documents and fees. The fee for this license is $60 per year, with a $30 investigation fee for the first year. Background checks are conducted by the Police Department on each owner and manager. 
2. Complete the Online License Application in the GenTax portal.
3. Get Fingerprinted through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. 
   1. Instructions on the process as a whole
   2. Fingerprinting locations list 
   3. Registration Instructions 

For specific Westminster licensing requirements, refer to Title V, Chapter 13 of the Westminster Municipal Code. 

Pet Shop License

Pet shops operating within the city must hold a valid Pet Shop License AND a City of Westminster Business License. All pet shop business registrations are reviewed and approved by the Animal Management Division. An officer will make a site inspection.

To apply: 

1. Complete the Online License Application in the GenTax portal.
2. Pay fees for Pet Shop licenses. Payment should be remitted by check made payable to the City of Westminster.  
   1. The fee for a Class “A” Pet Shop License is $25 per year. A Class A pet shop does not allow for the sale of exotic animals.
   2. The fee for a Class “B” Pet Shop License is $500 per year and a $10,000 bond is required. A Class B pet shop does allow for the sale of exotic animals.

For specific Westminster licensing requirements, refer to Title VI, Chapter 7 of the Westminster Municipal Code.

Amusement Machine License

Businesses with pool tables or coin operated game machines must hold an Amusement Machine License AND a City of Westminster Business License. If there are 13 or more pool tables or machines at one location, a full-time security guard is required, in addition to a full-time manager.  

To apply: 

1. Return the completed Amusement Machine License application and pay the required fee. The annual fee for this license is $40 per amusement machine. 
2. Complete the Online License Application in the GenTax portal.

For specific Westminster licensing requirements, refer to Title V, Chapter 9 of the Westminster Municipal Code. 

Short Term Rentals

Beginning January 1, 2024, Westminster will allow Short Term Rentals in the city. These rentals are required to have a business and sales tax license, which can be obtained here, and a Short Term rental license. For information on short term rentals or to apply for the short term rental license, visit this webpage: https://www.westminsterco.gov/Short-TermRentals  

Food Trucks 

If your business is a food truck, there are a few additional steps that need to take place before you apply for your business license. Details of the licensing process can be found in this flow chart. 

1. Get a Food Retail License through the county. The contact numbers for Jeffco and Adams County are below:
   1. Jeffco – 303-232-6301
   2. Adams – 303-659-2120 
2. Set up an inspection with the Fire department by calling 303-658-4500. The fire department will ask for:  
   1. A copy of current up to date fire suppression system service/inspection.
   2. A current tagged fire extinguisher with needle in the green.
   3. A current up to date county food truck license from your home county.
   4. Sometimes a smoke detector, CO detector, propane detector if applicable.
3. Complete the Online License Application in the GenTax portal. 
4. Complete the Temporary Use Permit when necessary.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Contact the City Clerk's office at 303-658-2161, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or licensing@westminsterco.gov.