License Renewal Application Steps#

For your renewal application(s) to be processed, the following are due in the Regulatory Licensing Team no later than 45-30 days before the expiration of the license and no sooner than 90 days before the expiration. 

The City has discussed SB24-076 and the impacts on licensing processes at the local level. Local licenses will be valid for two years. 

At the time of renewal, marijuana businesses can also report changes (modification of premises). Please ensure that it is reported. To submit your local business renewal application, request a secure link from  marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com. 

Steps to successfully renew your marijuana business licenses:  

1. Gather all required documents. Follow the checklist. 

• • Ensure you have compiled and included all necessary Fort Collins forms, including: Affirmation and Consent; Authorization and Consent to Release Business Information, and Property Authorization.  
  • Ensure you have provided a signature where required, and it is in the timeframe of your license expiration date.
  • All materials must be digital files and saved as PDFs. Do not include other file types.
  • Legal documents included as part of this application must be properly signed and executed
  • Note: if you have a shared space (i.e., stores), and your local license expiration dates are the same. Use one local checklist, as the entity docs are the same. 
  • We need the most up-to-date information to process the renewal applications.
  • Incomplete applications will be rejected. 
  • Reference rules and regulations: Statutes: Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S) 44-10-314, and State Rules Section 2-255

2. Submit the completed application electronically. 

• Use the State (MED) form (DR 8529) (pages 1-4, 10 only). Regulated Marijuana Business License Renewal Application Form 
• Use the Local License # on the State (MED) application form.
• NEW 2025: You can report a modification of premises at the time of renewal. Addendum E on application. 
• If you check yes to any questions, please include supporting documentation. What you send to the state should be sent to the City of Fort Collins.  
• Request a secure link via Email

3. Pay the required City of Fort Collins Fees. The City cannot complete the intake of the application without your payment of fees. Options to pay include online and by check. Please visit the City of Fort Collins Fee Schedules, Medical Fees, and Retail Fees

Note: Since licenses are valid for two years, you have two options to pay. A. pay for the two-year renewal.  B. Pay for one year. If you split your payment, you will be required to pay the second license term the following year. You will pay the fees of the current year when the money is collected.   

• Online Payment. Visit the City of Fort Collins Payment System here
  • Two online payment options are available.
    • E-Check. 
      • To do so, you must have a routing number, account number, the account holder's name, and the account type. 
    • Credit card or debit card. 
    • If you pay online, a receipt will be emailed to you. Save and print to PDF the proof of payment receipt. Keep a copy for your records and include it in your application packet. 
  • Option by paper check. Make the check payable to the City of Fort Collins. 

4. City Application Review. 

The Regulatory Licensing Team will review the application(s) and all required documents. The review could take several business days or longer, depending on the volume of applications. If the licensing specialists contact you requesting more information, please submit that promptly, well in advance of your license expiration.

Upon receipt of a completed application, payment of fees, the licensing specialist will issue the business a continuation letter. 

5. License(s) issuance. Upon review from the Local Licensing Authority, you will receive a record of decision approving or denying license(s). If there are conditions to be met, please follow the conditions and report back to the licensing specialist that they have been met.  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 under those Codes. 

Below is a list of required forms. Applications must be complete and include all required documents.  

Renewal Checklist

Affirmation and Consent

Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Business)

Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business

Transfer of Ownership /New Business 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 such as location changes; or complicated ownership changes. If you have modifications to your premises, that is reported at the time of your business license renewal. Tips: ensure you follow building and zoning requirements for your modifications 

STEP 2- Pre-application meeting will be set up. You will meet with the City's Marijuana business team from departments including: police, building, zoning, fire, and licensing departments. Please wait before submitting any paperwork until you have a meeting with the City of Fort Collins. 

• This step is only necessary for new business licenses, complicated change or transfer of ownership applications, change of locations, or if you want to inquire about large modification of premises application. 

STEP 3: Preparation for your meeting. Please review the Zoning Website first about your proposed marijuana property location before applying. 

• if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed before application submission.
  • An example includes the proposed building may not have the proper use to allow marijuana. Therefore a change of use application may be necessary to move forward. 
• 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.

STEP 4: Getting to Know You: Applicants must first submit a Finding of Suitability Application to the State Marijuana Enforcement Division to be found suitable for ownership This link opens in a new browser tab This link opens in a new browser tab. 

• Do not submit a state Regulated Marijuana Business License application until you understand the local licensing process. submitted the suitability application and have been found suitable. 
• Social Equity Applicants: 
  • Social Equity Applicants This link opens in a new browser  This link opens in a new browser tab must be found eligible under the state criteria for Social Equity Licensees. 
  • If you have questions about state processes, contact the Marijuana Enforcement Division This link opens in a new browser tab This link opens in a new browser tab.   

STEP 5: Complete Your Business License Applications:

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) This link opens in a new browser tab This link opens in a new browser tab whenever possible. 

• All forms must be signed, submitted as PDFs, and notarized as indicated.
• Submit the completed application through a secure link. Request the link by emailing marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com.  

STEP 6: Complete Payment: two options:

• online This link opens in a new browser tab
• check or money order. Payable to the City of Fort Collins. 
  • Please mail a check or money order to Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. 

After you have read everything and if you still have questions, 

please email marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com.

STEP 7: Submit your application through the secure link as one PDF. The licensing staff will review your application, if items are missing, they will contact you. 

STEP 8: The City of Fort Collins will submit the application to the 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). 

STEP 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 under those Codes.

STEP 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. 

STEP 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. 

Application Checklist

Transfer of Ownership Checklist

Affirmation and Consent

Affidavit Approving Transfer

Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Business)

Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Individual)

Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business

Zoning Report - Please print in color

Fingerprint Instructions

Floor Plan Requirements

Fire Prevention Policy for Marijuana Businesses

Change of Location#

STEP 1- Submit a Letter of Intent (required for all new business license applications; report of changes applications such as location changes; or complicated ownership changes. If you have modifications to your premises, that is reported at the time of your business license renewal. Tips: ensure you follow building and zoning requirements for your modifications 

STEP 2- Pre-application meeting will be set up. You will meet with the City's Marijuana business team from departments including: police, building, zoning, fire, and licensing departments. Please wait before submitting any paperwork until you have a meeting with the City of Fort Collins. 

• This step is only necessary for new business licenses, complicated change or transfer of ownership applications, change of locations, or if you want to inquire about large modification of premises application. 

STEP 3: Preparation for your meeting. Please review the Zoning Website first about your proposed marijuana property location before applying. 

• if Planning/Zoning/Building indicates applications and approvals are needed, those MUST be completed prior to application submission.
  • An example includes the proposed building may not have the proper use to allow marijuana. Therefore a change of use application may be necessary to move forward. 
• 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.

STEP 4: Complete Your Business License Applications:

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) This link opens in a new browser tab This link opens in a new browser tab whenever possible. 

• All forms must be signed, submitted as PDFs, and notarized as indicated.
• Submit the completed application through a secure link Request the link by emailing marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com.  

STEP 5: Complete Payment: two options:

• online This link opens in a new browser tab
• check or money order. Payable to the City of Fort Collins. 
  • Please mail a check or money order to Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. 

After you have read everything and if you still have questions, 

please email marijuanalicensing@fcgov.com. 

STEP 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 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. 

STEP 7. 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. 

STEP 8. 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.

STEP 9. 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's compliance with the City of Fort Collins inspections and Municipal Code; The Colorado Marijuana Code; and all rules and regulations promulgated under 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. 

Change of Location Checklist

Affirmation and Consent

Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business

Zoning Report - Please print in color

Floor Plan Requirements

Fire Prevention Policy for Marijuana Businesses

Change of Ownerships including Exempt Change of Ownerships#

A Marijuana License Change of Ownership Application (including MED exemptions This link opens in a new browser tab: change entity, change the legal name. percentage of owners), must be submitted for: 

Please review the MED's guidance This link opens in a new browser tabon when to submit a change of ownership application

• add a new person or entity to become a Controlling Beneficial Owner
• Added-Executive Officer/Board Member, Owner's interest (if applicable)
• Removed from Ownership
• Removed-Executive Officer/Board Member(s): List all individuals or entities affected
• Reallocation of Owner Interests, New %, New____%
• change of business entity type (i.e. convert an LLC to a Corporation)
• A Change of a Passive Beneficial Owner (PBO) to a Controlling Beneficial Owner (CBO)
• 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
• Jurisdiction Change

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 This link opens in a new browser tabor 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

Affirmation and Consent

Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Business)

Authorization and Consent to Release Information (Individual)

Authorization to Use Property for a Marijuana Business

Fingerprint Instructions

Fire Prevention Policy for Marijuana Businesses

Manager Registration#

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 This link opens in a new browser tabor 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. 

Manager Registration Checklist

Manager Registration Application

Surrender licenses#

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. 

Withdraw a marijuana business license application#

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).

Withdrawal Form