Submit a Marijuana Business License Application#
Marijuana Business License Submittal Requirements (READ FIRST)
STEP 1- Submit a Letter of Intent (required for all new business license applications; report of changes applications: i.e. modifications, location changes; or complicated ownership)
STEP 2- Pre-application meeting will be set up. Please wait before submitting any paperwork until you have a meeting with the City of Fort Collins.
Please review the Zoning Website first about your proposed marijuana property before submitting an application. Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
For more detailed information about zoning restrictions, visit our interactive zoning map.
Below are forms needed to complete a variety of applications related to the marijuana business. The City of Fort Collins strives to use forms provided by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) whenever possible. All forms must be signed and notarized as indicated.
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
Payments for applications/license fees can be done online or submitted through the mail (USPS). Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
If you have any questions please email marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com.
Note: Applicants must first submit a Finding of Suitability Application to the State Marijuana Enforcement Division to be found suitable for ownership. Do not submit a state Regulated Marijuana Business License application until you have submitted the suitability application and have been found suitable. Social Equity Applicants must be found eligible under the state criteria for Social Equity Licensees. If you have questions about state processes, contact the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
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1. Complete and submit a Letter of Intent to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
2. Set up a pre-application meeting with the City.
Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
3. Complete and Submit State Applications: Submit a complete state marijuana business license application with all required documents and state fees to the state Marijuana Enforcement Division. The State (MED) will send your application to the City of Fort Collins.
4. Complete the local application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
5. Submit the completed local application and supporting documents through a secure link. to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
6. Pay the required fees: including the application fee(s), and license fee(s). Please refer to the checklist for fees. Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
7. The City of Fort Collins will review your application. The local city departments will review the city application and all required documents.
NOTE: Part of this review includes a local criminal background investigation on the owners. The review may take 20 business days but could take longer depending on the volume of applications pending before the Departments. If 30 business days pass and you would like to check on the status of your application, email marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
8. The City of Fort Collins will submit the application to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. The review on average takes 30 business days but could take longer depending on the completed application packet submitted to the licensing authority.
NOTE: A record of decision- approving or denying your local application. The state Marijuana Enforcement Division will also receive a copy of your local record of decision. This notifies the state agency that your business license has been conditionally approved by the department (pending completion of local conditions and inspections).
9. Complete conditions from the Record of the Decision. This includes: Inspections and Obtain State Approval. You will be issued a license upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority. Issuance of the license(s) is conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee's compliance with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
10. Email City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office: After you complete the required conditions and City inspections, e-mail marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com with:
- Proof of state approval for your state business license(s), and finding suitability
- Pay the required inspection/operating fees to the City of Fort Collins
- A request to issue your new local City of Fort Collins marijuana business license(s) will be sent to the local licensing authority.
11. The City of Fort Collins will issue your local marijuana business license. You are ok to operate once you have your local City of Fort Collins license and State of Colorado (MED) Marijuana business license.
NOTE: the applicant is required to follow the City of Fort Collins Zoning Rules/Regulations for Signs found here
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Transfer of Ownership Checklist
Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Business)
Oath Suitability Natural Person (formerly-Associated Person and Associated Key Oath)
Addendum to DR 8520- Suitability Natural Person (formerly-Associated Key Application)
Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Individual)
Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business
Zoning Report - Please print in color
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1. Complete and submit a Letter of Intent to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
2. Set up a pre-application meeting with the City.
3. Complete the application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
4. Submit the completed local application and supporting documents to: marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
5. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
6. The City of Fort Collins will review your application(s) and supporting documents. The Marijuana Enforcement Officer will review your proposed floorplan for the new desired modification. Note: this review may take several business days. A completed application will be sent for review by the Local Licensing Authority, where a decision will be made and the applicant will be notified.
7. Please note: the applicant is required to complete a report of changes application (modification of premises) with the State. As well as to submit to the City proof of State Approval.
8. The City of Fort Collins will review your application. The local city departments will review the city application and all required documents.
9. The City of Fort Collins will submit the application to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. The review on average takes 30 business days but could take longer depending on the completed application packet submitted to the licensing authority.
NOTE: A record of decision- approving or denying your local application. The state Marijuana Enforcement Division will also receive a copy of your local record of decision. This notifies the state agency that your report of changes (modification of premises) has been conditionally approved by the department (pending completion of local conditions and inspections).
10. Complete conditions from the Record of the Decision. This includes: Inspections and Obtain State Approval. You will be issued a license upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority. Issuance of the license(s) is conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee's compliance with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
NOTE: Inspections: Set up a final inspection with the marijuana enforcement officer (Officer Lenderts) to verify the modification work has been completed and matches the floorplan. Please also coordinate with the Marijuana Enforcement Division licensing office). As well, as coordinate with any other City of Fort Collins Departments for inspections. It is strongly recommended to engage professionals to ensure you are in compliance with City: building, zoning, and fire requirements.
11. Email City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office: After you complete the required conditions and City inspections, e-mail marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com with:
- Proof of state approval for your report of changes (modification) of state business license(s); if no state application is required, please provide an email from a representative of the Marijuana Enforcement Division who can confirm no state application is required.
- any memos or proof of completed work from all other city departments
12. The City of Fort Collins will update your local marijuana business file/record. The Clerk's Office will update your file/record with the new floor plan and note that the modification of premises has been completed. You are ok to operate once you have your local City of Fort Collins license and State of Colorado (MED) Marijuana business license.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Modification of Premises Checklist
Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business
Zoning Report - Please print in color
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1. Complete and submit a Letter of Intent to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
2. Set up a pre-application meeting with the City.
Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
3. Complete the local application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
4. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
5. The City of Fort Collins will review your application(s) and supporting documents. The Marijuana Enforcement Officer will review your proposed floorplan for the new desired location. Note: this review may take several business days. A completed application will be sent for review by the Local Licensing Authority, where a decision will be made and the applicant will be notified.
6. Please note: the applicant is required to complete a change of location application with the State. As well as to submit to the City proof of State Approval including a Transition Permit.
7. Inspections: Set up a final inspection with the marijuana enforcement officer (Officer Lenderts) to verify no product is at the old premises before the move. Please also coordinate with the Marijuana Enforcement Division licensing office). As well, as coordinate with any other City of Fort Collins Departments for inspections. It is strongly recommended to engage professionals to ensure you are in compliance with City: building, zoning, and fire requirements.
8. The City of Fort Collins will issue your license(s). You will be issued a license upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority. Issuance of the license(s) is conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee compliance with the City of Fort Collins inspections and Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business
Zoning Report - Please print in color
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1. Complete the application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
Note: if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission. Please refer to the City of Fort Collins Building Services page found here.
2. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
3. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
4. The City of Fort Collins will review your application(s) and supporting documents. The Marijuana Enforcement Officer will review your proposed floorplan for the new desired modification. Note: this review may take several business days. A completed application will be sent for review by the Local Licensing Authority, where a decision will be made and the applicant will be notified.
5. Please note: the applicant is required to complete a report of changes application (trade name change) with the State. As well as to submit to the City proof of State Approval.
6. The City of Fort Collins will review your application. The local city departments will review the city application and all required documents.
7. The City of Fort Collins will submit the application to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. The review on average takes 30 business days but could take longer depending on the completed application packet submitted to the licensing authority.
NOTE: A record of decision- approving or denying your local application. The state Marijuana Enforcement Division will also receive a copy of your local record of decision. This notifies the state agency that your report of changes (trade name change) has been conditionally approved by the department (pending completion of local conditions and inspections).
8. Complete conditions from the Record of the Decision. This includes: Inspections and Obtain State Approval. You will be issued a license upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority. Issuance of the license(s) is conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee's compliance with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
NOTE: the applicant is required to follow the City of Fort Collins Zoning Rules/Regulations for Signs found here
9. Email City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office: After you complete the required conditions and City inspections, e-mail marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com with:
- Proof of state approval for your report of changes (trade name change) of state business license(s); if no state application is required, please provide an email from a representative of the Marijuana Enforcement Division who can confirm no state application is required.
10. The City of Fort Collins will update your local marijuana business license file/record. The Clerk's Office will issue a license with the new trade name and note that the change has been completed. You are ok to operate once you have your local City of Fort Collins license and State of Colorado (MED) Marijuana business license.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
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A Marijuana License Change of Ownership Application (including MED exemptions: change entity, change the legal name. percentage of owners), must be submitted for:
Please review the MED's guidance on when to submit a change of ownership application
- add a new person or entity to become a Controlling Beneficial Owner
- The Removal of a Controlling Beneficial Owner
- The Reallocation of Owner Interests Among Existing Controlling Beneficial Owner(s)
- change of business entity type (i.e. convert an LLC to a Corporation)
- A Change of a Passive Beneficial Owner to a Controlling Beneficial Owner
- Any change involving an Owner Licensee (licensed by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division), including a Change of Executive Officer or Change of Member of Board of Directors
- A Change of Legal Name
- A Change of Entity Type
1. Complete and Submit State Applications: Submit a complete state marijuana business license application with all required documents and state fees to the state Marijuana Enforcement Division. The State (MED) will send your application to the City of Fort Collins.
2. Complete the local application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
3. Submit the completed local application and supporting documents to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
4. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
5. The City of Fort Collins will review your application. The local city departments will review the city application and all required documents.
NOTE: Part of this review includes a local criminal background investigation on the owners. The review may take 20 business days but could take longer depending on the volume of applications pending before the Departments. If 30 business days pass and you would like to check on the status of your application, email marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
6. The City of Fort Collins will submit the application to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. The review on average takes 30 business days but could take longer depending on the completed application packet submitted to the licensing authority.
NOTE: A record of decision- approving or denying your local application. The state Marijuana Enforcement Division will also receive a copy of your local record of decision. This notifies the state agency that your business license has been conditionally approved by the department (pending completion of local conditions and inspections).
7. Complete conditions from the Record of Decision. This includes: Obtain State Approval. Changes to the local file/record are conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee compliance with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
NOTE: Obtain proof of final state approval of the change of ownership. Proof of final state approval indicates that the requested change of ownership was approved and, unless otherwise stated, indicates that the change of ownership is effective immediately. A Contingent Approval Letter Pursuant to Rule 2-245(3) is not final approval.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for completing a state Change of Controlling Beneficial Owner Application, Disclosure - Changes Exempt From the Change of Owner Application, or Disclosure - Change of Executive Officers or Members of Board of Directors if required. The Department requires proof of state approval of the change of ownership. If the state requires no application or disclosure form or otherwise will not provide proof of approval of the change of ownership, confirm that in an email with a representative of the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
8. Email City of Fort Collins Clerk's Office: After you complete the required conditions, e-mail marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com with:
- Proof of state approval for your state business license(s), and finding suitability.
9. The City of Fort Collins will update your local marijuana business license file/record. The Clerk's Office will make note that the change has been completed.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Change of Ownership Application Checklist
Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Business)
Oath Suitability Natural Person (formerly-Associated Person and Associated Key Oath)
Addendum to DR 8520- Suitability Natural Person (formerly-Associated Key Application
Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Individual)
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1. Complete the application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
2. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
3. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
4. The Clerk's office will notify the Marijuana Licensing Authority of the change.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
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1. Complete the application-refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application. Note: all applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.
2. Submit the completed application and supporting documents (files must be submitted as PDF) to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
The City Clerk's office is requesting all license applications be submitted via a secure link through email. Files must be submitted as PDFs. You must request the secure link.
3. Pay the required fees: Payments accepted include: online payment or by mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.) Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.
4. The City of Fort Collins will renew and issue your license(s). You will be issued a license upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority. Issuance of the license(s) is conditioned upon the Applicant's/Licensee compliance with the City of Fort Collins Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to those Codes.
Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents. Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed. All materials must be legible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
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A marijuana business may decide to surrender its license at any time. In order to complete this process, please follow the steps below.
1. Complete the affidavit form.
2. Submit the completed form to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
3. Set up a final inspection with the marijuana enforcement officer (Officer Lenderts) to verify no product is at the premises. Please also coordinate with the Marijuana Enforcement Division licensing office).
4. Your license status will be updated to reflect the surrender. The Clerk's office will notify the Marijuana Licensing Authority of the surrender.
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Complete these steps to withdraw a marijuana business license application.
1. Complete the request for voluntary withdrawal of the marijuana business license application.
2. Submit the completed form to marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
3. Your application status will be updated. Note: the City of Fort Collins will retain the application fee. The applicant will need to request a refund for the license fee to the City Clerk's office by emailing marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com
4. The Clerk's office will notify the Marijuana Licensing Authority of the withdrawal.
NOTE: When you withdraw a city application, you may also need to withdraw the corresponding state application (with the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division).
Staff cannot:
- Provide any legal advice, including whether or not a business model may or may not work in Fort Collins. Please read the state and local laws and consult your own attorney.
- Make recommendations regarding the purchase of marijuana from particular businesses.
- Direct you to owners that may be interested in selling their business(es).