Colorado: Restaurant Regulations

General compliance overview · Local rules vary · Verify with AHJ

Baseline checklist for common requirements. Verify locally (rules vary by AHJ).

Quick takeaway: Most restaurant compliance falls into five buckets: health permits, fire/hood, plumbing/grease, building/occupancy, and zoning. Local authorities can add requirements beyond state minimums.

Typical checklist

Area	What to verify
Health	Food establishment permit, plan review (if required), Person-in-Charge/food safety certification, inspection schedule.
Fire	Type I hood (as applicable), fire suppression system (e.g., wet chemical), extinguisher class requirements, fire inspection and permits.
Plumbing	Grease interceptor/trap sizing and location, floor drains/mop sink, backflow prevention, wastewater/sewer authority requirements.
Building	Certificate of occupancy, change of use, occupant load, ADA accessibility basics, restroom counts.
Zoning	Permitted use for the address, parking, signage permits, outdoor seating rules, noise/vent termination limits.

Major metro variations

Denver and surrounding counties often have additional licensing, plan review, and fire prevention requirements beyond state baselines. Verify with city/county AHJs.

Scenario pages

Sources to verify

State health department (food establishment permitting)
Local/county health department (plan review + inspections)
Local fire marshal / fire prevention bureau
City/county building department (CO, permits)
Zoning/planning office (allowed use for address)
Wastewater/sewer authority (grease interceptor rules)

Last reviewed: 2025