How to Open a Business

New or Existing Restaurant 
 Tri-County Health Department issues Retail Food Licenses for restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, breweries, and mobile units. If you are constructing or remodeling an existing space, you will need to complete a plan review packet (PDF) and go through the opening inspection process. You may call the Plan Review Hotline at 303 846 6230 with related questions.

If you are taking over an existing space and making limited or no changes to the food preparation areas, contact your local Environmental Health Office to schedule a change of ownership inspection. You may conduct a change of owner inspection prior to taking ownership, if you feel this to be to your benefit.

Clip Art of Sign Which Reads, "Come In, We're Open"

New or Existing Child Care

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) requires that certain child care centers obtain health department approval prior to operating. TCHD issues certification for commercial child care centers, preschools, camps, before and after programs, and group homes. Completion of a plan review packet (PDF) is required for all newly constructed and remodeled facilities. If you are taking over an existing space and making no to very limited updates, you may contact your local Environmental Health Office to schedule a change of ownership inspection. You may schedule this inspection prior to taking ownership, if you feel this to be to your benefit. In most cases you will need health department approval prior to being licensed by CDHS. Besides group homes, TCHD does not issue approval for or conduct routine inspections of residential child care programs.

New or Existing Public Pool or Spa

If you plan to design and open a public pool and or spa, you will first need to complete a pool / spa plan review packet. The completed plan review packet will then need to be submitted, along with the applicable fees, to the appropriate Environmental Health Office. If you intend to assume ownership of an existing public pool or spa, you will need to contact your local Environmental Health Office to schedule a change of ownership inspection.

New or Existing Body Art / Piercing Facility

Prior to opening a new body art / piercing facility and prior to assuming ownership of an existing body art / piercing facility, it is required that you first contact your local Environmental Health Office to schedule either an opening or change of owner inspection. The inspection will ensure that you are operating in compliance with the Rules and Regulations Governing Body Art in the State of Colorado (PDF). During this time you will also be assessed all applicable fees.