Business

The City of Boulder's Planning and Development Services coordinates all of the development-related functions, including permits, across the city's Community Planning & Sustainability and Public Works departments. 

Any business entity, organization or person engaged in business within Boulder city limits must have a city Business/Sales and Use Tax License. 

• The city’s Tax and Licensing Division manages business licensing, regulatory licenses (liquor, marijuana, additional), sales, use and other taxes. 
• Businesses can pay sales and use taxes online using the city’s payment portal system. 
• Building permits are issued through Planning & Development Services.
• Businesses can apply for regulatory licenses for liquor, marijuana and other purposes.
• Information about other permits and licenses for businesses can be found on our  Licensing and Permitting page. Other licenses may also be required.
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The City of Boulder offers Business Incentive Programs to support the growth and expansion of businesses in Boulder. Programs include rebates of certain fees and taxes for eligible companies that investment in facilities or equipment, loans to small businesses that have the ability to repay a loan but may not be able to obtain financing through traditional sources, and more.

Reducing waste, conserving water and making your business more energy efficient is good for the environment and good for business. The city's Climate and Sustainability Division and its partners offer Commercial Water and Energy Conservation, Water and Wastewater Permitting, and Zero Waste recycling, composting and reuse resources. In addition, Boulder County offers several Sustainability Programs for Businesses.

The Boulder Public Library provides a variety of resources for entrepreneurs and businesses, including databases, demographic and market research data, and online courses. Library staff can help you find the right data and resources for your business. BLDG 61 is a makerspace located in the main library that offers workshops, guided practice and open access to 3D printers, woodworking, metalworking, fiber arts and other equipment.

Maintaining Downtown Boulder's retail sales tax base and competitive position requires a strategic approach based on a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current retail mix, competitive environment, emerging trends, community needs and market potential. 

In 2017, the City of Boulder and Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) commissioned a comprehensive and strategic review of  Downtown Boulder retail and vibrancy. Study results will inform the development of a retail strategy that identifies and prioritizes recommended actions to maintain and enhance the appeal and economic vitality of Boulder's downtown in the face of a rapidly changing retail environment. The study also served as the foundation for a citywide retail and business sustainability study in 2018.