New Business Information

If you are considering opening a business in Parker, the following organizations can provide you with a variety of information that may assist you in making your move.

The Parker Chamber of Commerce
303.841.4268
The Parker Chamber of Commerce works to support and promote a progressive business climate. They publish a variety of resources, including an area map, the Parker Country Magazine and a monthly newsletter. With more than 350 members, the Parker Chamber provides leadership and networking opportunities, educational seminars, and organizes special events. To become a new member and receive special recognition, please contact the Chamber for more information.

The Parker Economic Development Council
303.841.8683
The Parker Economic Development Council (PEDC) has full-time professional staff available to address business needs that you may have concerning demographic information, building and site availability inventory, community profile and economic information necessary to research and make a location decision.

Some other necessary phone numbers are:
Parker Building Division: 303.841.1970
Parker Community Development Department: 303.841.2332
Parker Public Works Department: 303.840.9546
Parker Town Clerk's Office: 303.841.0353
Parker Fire Protection District: 303.841.2608
Xcel Energy (Public Service): 303.623.1234
IREA (Electric): 303.688.3100
Parker Water and Sanitation: 303.841.4627

How Do I Get Started?
Choose a Location
The location you choose for your business will determine the direction you must take to get started. PEDC can offer assistance in choosing your site. Whether you choose to operate your business from your home, convert an existing location, or construct your own building, there are a variety of steps to take.

Operating a Home-Based Business
Home businesses are allowed in Parker, with certain exceptions. The resident and one additional employee may work from the home business, but no signage or advertising may be posted on the building. For a complete list of regulations, please call the Community Development Department at 303.841.2332. Click here for information on business licenses.

Converting an Existing Location
If you would like to convert an existing commercial location for a new business use, change the occupancy classification, or plan to make modifications to the exterior of a building, please contact the Parker Community Development Department at 303.841.2332. They will let you know what steps you need to go through and will assist you throughout the exterior conversion process. Some of the building improvements that require approval are painting the building's exterior, additions such as decks and patios, change of use, changes to landscaping, and awnings. All construction modifications are handled by the Building Division.

Constructing Your Own Building
All construction in Parker will require a building permit. If you wish to construct a new building for your business, you must first contact the Planning Department, which will provide you with land zoning information. After you choose the land that you will build on, you must contact the Building Division at 303.841.1970. They will guide you through the steps toward a building permit. The Public Works Department should be contacted concerning such issues as grading and access permits, public improvements, etc. No contractor licenses are required for General Contractor. Electrical and plumbing licenses are required as per State of Colorado.

What Licenses and Permits Do I Need?
Business and Tax License
Prior to opening your doors for business, you must apply for a business and tax license, which may be obtained at Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet. Licenses must be renewed annually, by Dec. 31 of each year. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for your business license to be approved. If you have questions regarding your business license, please call the Sales Tax Division at 303.805.3228 or email us.

Liquor Licenses
If your business requires a liquor license, please contact the Town Clerk's Office. They will be happy to assist you with the application process. Since a liquor license requires the approval of the Parker Town Council and the State of Colorado, the application process is lengthier than that of other licenses. We ask that you allow six months to have your liquor license approved.

Sign Permit
After your business location has been decided on and your licenses have been approved, you will need to obtain a sign permit assistance packet from the Planning Department. Packets include a sign permit checklist, sign permit form, sign area calculation sheet, and sign code. After the sign permit application is filled out, the completed application must be submitted to the Community Development Department with a non refundable $75 sign permit processing fee. Following this submission, our Planning Department staff will review the sign permit in relation to Chapter 13.09 of the Land Development Code. The review process takes two to four working days, after which staff will contact the applicant to let them know of any difficulties or to inform them that their sign permit is ready.

Ready for Business!
After your business location has been finalized and approved by both the Building and Planning Departments, you have received the necessary licenses and permits, and have installed signs appropriately, you should be ready to open for business.

Ribbon Cuttings or Grand Openings can be arranged by the Parker Chamber of Commerce or the Parker Economic Development Council (PEDC). Additionally, these organizations can set up press conferences to let the Parker community know about you and your new business. The Chamber and PEDC are here to help your business thrive!