Marijuana License Applications

Overview

The City of Fort Collins provides comprehensive guidance for marijuana business licensing, including applications for new licenses, renewals, ownership changes and other modifications. This page outlines the step-by-step processes, required documentation and contact information for all marijuana licensing needs.

Documents on this page are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading these documents, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.

Application Types Accepted

Retail Marijuana

Store license (Transfer of Ownership only due to cap)
Cultivation facility (only if also licensed as a retail marijuana store or retail manufacturer)
Products manufacturer
Testing facility
Business operator license

Medical Marijuana

Cultivation facility supplying marijuana to licensed store or medical MIP (under the same ownership) anywhere in Colorado
Testing facility
Research and development facility
Business operator license
Products manufacturer (MIP)

Not Accepted

Medical marijuana stores
Retail marijuana stores (except licensed medical marijuana stores in Fort Collins seeking Transfers of Ownership)
Medical and retail off-premises storage permits
Medical and retail transporter licenses

Marijuana Delivery Permits and Hospitality Licenses

At this time, the City Council has been informed of changes to State Laws regarding options for marijuana hospitality licenses and marijuana delivery permits. To date, the City of Fort Collins Council has not provided direction to pursue moving forward with either option in Fort Collins. Residents are always welcome to contact City Council at CityLeaders@fortcollins.gov with suggestions.

Social Equity Applicants

Social Equity Applicants must first submit a finding of suitability application with the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).
Please do not submit any regulated marijuana business license application (including for an Accelerator License) until you have been found suitable as a Social Equity Licensee.

Review Marijuana License Application Fees

Submitting a Marijuana Business License Application

STEP 1: Submit a Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent(PDF, 465KB)

This is required for all new business license applications, location changes and complicated ownership changes.

Tip: Report premise modifications during license renewal. Follow building and zoning requirements.

STEP 2: Schedule a Pre-application Meeting

You'll meet with City staff from police, building, zoning, fire and licensing departments. Wait for this meeting before submitting paperwork.

This step is only needed for new business licenses, complicated ownership changes or transfers, location changes and large premise modifications.

STEP 3: Prepare for Your Meeting

Review the Zoning Website about your proposed location first. If Planning/Zoning/Building requires applications and approvals, complete those BEFORE submitting your application. Your building may need a change of use permit to allow marijuana.

City of Fort Collins Building Services

Zoning Lookup

STEP 4: Complete Application

Complete Your Business License Applications using MED forms when 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@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 5: Pay Fees

Online

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.

STEP 6: Submit for City Review

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.

Required forms:

STEP 7: Complete State Application

Complete state change of location application and submit proof of state approval with Transition Permit.

STEP 8: Schedule Inspection

Schedule inspection to verify no product at old location.

Coordinate with the following for inspection:

Marijuana Enforcement Division licensing office

Other City of Fort Collins Departments

Ensure you are in compliance with City building, zoning, and fire requirements.

STEP 9: City Issues License

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.

Renewal Application

Submit renewal applications 30-45 days before your license expires (but no sooner than 90 days before).

Important: Local licenses are now valid for two years due to SB24-076.

You can report premise changes during renewal. Request a secure link from MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

STEP 1: Gather Required Documents

Follow the Checklist:

Include all Fort Collins forms: Affirmation and Consent; Authorization and Consent to Release Business Information; Property Authorization
Sign documents within your license timeframe
Submit only PDF files
Legal documents must be properly signed
Shared spaces with same expiration dates can use one checklist
Incomplete applications will be rejected
Reference: Colorado Revised Statutes 44-10-314 and State Rules Section 2-255

Required Forms:

STEP 2: Submit Electronically

Use State Form DR 8529 (pages 1-4, 10 only)
Use your Local License # on the state form
NEW 2025: Report premise modifications using Addendum E
Include supporting documentation for any "yes" answers
Send the same documents to both state and City
Request secure link via email at MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov

Required Forms:

STEP 3: Pay City Fees

Required before we can process your application.

Pay online (E-Check -- need routing/account numbers -- or credit/debit card) or by check, payable to City of Fort Collins
Two-year licenses: Pay full amount or split into yearly payments

STEP 4: City Review

We'll review all documents. This may take several business days. Submit additional information promptly if requested.

STEP 5: License Issued

You'll receive approval or denial. Meet any conditions before your license is issued.

City Fee Schedules for Medical and Retail Fees

New Application

STEP 1: Submit a Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent(PDF, 465KB)

This is required for all new business license applications, location changes and complicated ownership changes.

Tip: Report premise modifications during license renewal. Follow building and zoning requirements.

STEP 2: Schedule a Pre-application Meeting

STEP 3: Prepare for Your Meeting

City of Fort Collins Building Services

Zoning Lookup

STEP 4: Complete Application

Complete Your Business License Applications using MED forms when 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@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 5: Pay Fees

Online

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.

STEP 6: Submit for City Review

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.

Required Forms:

STEP 7: Submit Through Secure Link

Submit as one PDF through secure link. Staff will contact you if items are missing.

STEP 8: City Application Submission

City submits to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. Review takes about 30 business days.

STEP 9: Complete Conditions

Complete conditions from approval decision, including inspections and state approval.

STEP 10: Email Documents

Email MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov with proof of state approval and suitability finding, payment of inspection/operating fees and request to issue local license.

STEP 11: License Issued

City issues local license. You can operate once you have both local and state licenses.

Note: Follow City zoning rules for signs.

Change of Ownership Application

STEP 1: Submit a Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent(PDF, 465KB)

This is required for all new business license applications, location changes and complicated ownership changes.

Tip: Report premise modifications during license renewal. Follow building and zoning requirements.

STEP 2: Schedule a Pre-application Meeting

STEP 3: Prepare for Your Meeting

City of Fort Collins Building Services

Zoning Lookup

STEP 4: Complete Application

Complete Your Business License Applications using MED forms when 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@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 5: Pay Fees

Online

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.

STEP 6: Submit for City Review

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.

Required Forms:

STEP 7: Submit Through Secure Link

Submit as one PDF through secure link. Staff will contact you if items are missing.

STEP 8: City Application Submission

City submits to Marijuana Local Licensing Authority. Review takes about 30 business days.

STEP 9: Complete Conditions

Complete conditions from approval decision, including inspections and state approval.

STEP 10: Email Documents

Email MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov with proof of state approval and suitability finding, payment of inspection/operating fees and request to issue local license.

STEP 11: License Issued

City issues local license. You can operate once you have both local and state licenses.

Note: Follow City zoning rules for signs.

Modification of Premises

Important: Report all premise changes during license renewal. Review MED rules Section 2-260. Email MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov if you plan modifications.

Your responsibilities include coordinating with City Building and Zoning Department, completing required applications BEFORE submitting, getting building permits if needed and following sign regulations in City Land Use Code.

STEP 1: Track your Modifications

All reports of changes (modification of premises) will be reported at the time of business license renewals.

STEP 2: Report Via Form

Report during renewal using MED form DR 8529.

STEP 3: Complete Application

Complete renewal application and Amendment E (from renewal MED form DR 8529)

Required Forms:

Zoning Report(PDF, 354KB) (print in color)
Floor Plan Requirements(PDF, 439KB)
Fire Prevention Policy(PDF, 424KB)

STEP 4: Update Floorplan

Update floorplan per MED Rules Sections 3-220 and 3-225.

STEP 5: Request a Secure Link

Request secure link from MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov to submit application materials.

Required Forms:

Zoning Report(PDF, 354KB) (print in color)
Floor Plan Requirements(PDF, 439KB)
Fire Prevention Policy(PDF, 424KB)

STEP 6: Pay Fees

Pay required fees.

Payments Accepted Include:

Online payment
By Mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
In Person: The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins.
A payment receipt will be forwarded to you. Keep proof of payment and include it with your application.

STEP 7: City Review

City reviews and makes decision. 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 8: Complete Conditions

Complete conditions from the Record of the Decision. This includes Inspections and obtaining state Approval.

Upon receipt of a completed application and review from the Local Licensing Authority, you will be issued a license.

STEP 9: Email Proof of Approval

After you complete the required conditions and City inspections, email MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov 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.

STEP 10: City Updates Your File

The City of Fort Collins will update your local marijuana business file/record.

You are ok to operate once you have your local City of Fort Collins license and State of Colorado (MED) Marijuana business license.

Change of Location

STEP 1: Submit a Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent(PDF, 465KB)

STEP 2: Schedule a Pre-application Meeting

STEP 3: Prepare for Your Meeting

STEP 4: Complete Application

Complete Your Business License Applications using MED forms when 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@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 5: Pay Fees

Online

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.

STEP 6: Submit for City Review

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.

Required Forms:

STEP 7: Complete State Application

Complete state change of location application and submit proof of state approval with Transition Permit.

STEP 8: Schedule Inspection

Schedule inspection to verify no product at old location.

Coordinate with the following for inspection:

Marijuana Enforcement Division licensing office

Other City of Fort Collins Departments

Ensure you are in compliance with City building, zoning and fire requirements.

STEP 9: City Issues License

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.

Trade Name Change

STEP 1: Complete and Submit Application

Complete application using checklist, submit to MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 2: Pay Fees

Payment Options:

Online payment
By Mail: checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.)
A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.

STEP 3: City Review

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.

Required Forms:

STEP 4: Complete Conditions

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.

Note: The applicant is required to follow the City of Fort Collins Zoning Rules/Regulations for Signs.

STEP 5: Send Materials to City

After you complete the required conditions and City inspections, e-mail MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov 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.

Change of Ownership

Required for changes like adding new Controlling Beneficial Owner, removing owners or executives, changing ownership percentages, converting business entity type and changing legal name or entity type.

STEP 1: Submit State Application

Submit complete Marijuana Enforcement Division Form first.

Exempt Changes: MED Form DR 8563
Change of Controlling Beneficial Owner Application: MED Form DR 8535e

STEP 2: Complete Local Application

Complete local application. All applications must be complete and include all the necessary documentation.

Required Forms:

STEP 3: Send Materials

Request secure link then submit materials via email to MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

Required Forms:

STEP 4: Pay Fees

Pay required fees.

Payments Accepted Include:

Online payment
By Mail: Checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. Attention: City Clerk's Office: 300 LaPorte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521.
In Person: The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please mail a check or money order payable to the City of Fort Collins.
A payment receipt will be forwarded to you. Keep proof of payment and include it with your application.

STEP 5: City Reviews and Submits to Licensing Authority

City reviews materials (includes background investigation). This may take more than 20 business days.

Then, City submits application to Local Licensing Authority. This takes about 30 business days.

STEP 6: Complete Conditions

Complete conditions from the Record of Decision.

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.

STEP 7: Email Proof of State Approval and Suitability

After you complete the required conditions, email MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov with:

Proof of state approval for your state business license(s)
Finding suitability

STEP 8: City Updates Your File

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.

Manager Registration

STEP 1: Complete and submit application

Complete the application. Refer to the checklist for proper forms to complete your application.

Required Forms:

Submit the completed application and supporting documents to MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

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.

STEP 2: Pay Fees

Pay the required fees.

Payments Accepted Include:

Online payment
By Mail: Checks, and money orders payable to the City of Fort Collins. 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.
The Clerk's office is also open for in-person payments Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hours and days of operation are subject to change without notice.)
A payment receipt will be forwarded to you.

STEP 3: City Notifies Licensing Authority

The Clerk's office will notify the Marijuana Licensing Authority of the change.

Surrender License

STEP 1: Complete Form and Submit to City

Complete the affidavit form(PDF, 217KB) then submit the completed form to MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

STEP 2: Set up final inspection

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.

STEP 3: Status is Updated

Your license status will be updated to reflect the surrender. The Clerk's office will notify the Marijuana Licensing Authority of the surrender.

Withdraw Application

STEP 1: Complete Form and Submit to City

Complete the request for voluntary withdrawal of the marijuana business license application.

Withdrawal Form(PDF, 383KB)

Submit the completed form to MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov.

STEP 2: Application status updated

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.

STEP 3: Licensing Authority notified

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).

Contact Us

Email

MarijuanaLicensing@fortcollins.gov

Phone

970-221-6515

Hours

Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Physical Address

300 Laporte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80521