Restaurant Compliance Checklist for Aurora, Colorado
Before You Sign the Lease
Business formation, entity registration, zoning verification
Including 18 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDuring Build-Out
Health permits, fire safety, key licenses — the critical path
Including 17 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistHiring & Training
Employee compliance, certifications, workplace posters
- Aurora Outdoor Dining/Sidewalk Café PermitContact City of Aurora for estimated processing time
- Backflow Prevention Device CertificationTesting typically completed within 1-2 hours once scheduled; certification valid for 12 months; allow 2-4 weeks advance scheduling
Including 17 more permits, registrations, and compliance items.
See Full Compliance ChecklistDon't Miss a Permit in Aurora, Colorado
ApronPrep tracks all 61 requirements and alerts you before deadlines.
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Cost Summary
| Requirement | Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Outdoor Dining/Sidewalk Café Permit | Local | Contact City of Aurora Planning & Development Services for current fee amounts |
| Backflow Prevention Device Certification | Local | Contact Aurora Water Department for current certification and testing fees |
| Building Permit | Local | Fees vary based on project type and cost; use Permit Fee Calculator on City of Aurora website |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Local | Contact authority for current fees |
| Electrical Permit | Local | Contact City of Aurora Building Division for current permit fees using online Permit Fee Calculator |
| Fire Department Operational Permit | Local | Contact Aurora Fire Rescue for current fee schedule |
| Food Establishment Plan Review | Local | $155 plan review fee |
| Food Service Establishment License | Local | Contact Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or City of Aurora Development Services for current licensing fee structure |
| Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit | Local | Contact City of Aurora Water and Sewer Department for current Commercial Wastewater Discharge Permit application and inspection fees |
| Liquor License (Local Approval) | Local | Contact City of Aurora for current fee schedule |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | Local | Contact Aurora Development Services for current mechanical/HVAC permit fees (fees vary by system scope and complexity) |
| Plumbing Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees - plumbing permit fees vary based on project scope and square footage |
| Trade Name/DBA Registration | Local | Contact City of Aurora Business Services for current fee amounts |
| Water and Sewer Connection Permit | Local | Contact authority for current fees - refer to Fee Schedule 1, 2, or 3 available on aurora.gov Development Center |
| Zoning Compliance Letter | Local | $118 per parcel/address |
Total: $273–$273
Filing fees only. Does not include insurance, build-out, or consultant fees.
Other Establishment Types in Aurora, Colorado
Bar / Nightclub
Net change: +4 requirements
Food Truck
Net change: +0 requirements
Coffee Shop / Café
Net change: -2 requirements
Bakery / Patisserie
Net change: +1 requirements
Ghost Kitchen / Cloud Kitchen
Net change: -4 requirements
Catering Company
Net change: +3 requirements
Fast Food / QSR
Net change: +1 requirements
Brewery / Brewpub
Net change: +2 requirements
Opening a restaurant in Aurora requires navigating a complex framework of 61 distinct regulatory requirements. This total breaks down to 21 federal, 20 state, and 20 city-level obligations, which include permits, licenses, and registrations. A complete inventory is essential for compliant operations.
The permitting and licensing timeline spans 6 to 14 weeks, assuming applications are prepared correctly and submitted sequentially. This range accounts for agency review periods and potential inspections. Proactive planning for this 1.5 to 3.5-month window is critical for your opening schedule.
The combined government filing fees for all required Aurora restaurant permits and licenses typically range from $273 to $273. It is crucial to note that this figure represents baseline agency costs and does not include potential expenses for professional services, construction, or recurring renewal fees.
No, you cannot legally open for business until you have secured all applicable permits and passed final inspections. Operating without the complete set of 61 requirements risks severe penalties, including fines and immediate closure orders from the City of Aurora or state agencies. Not legal advice.
About This Data
Forms & permits for Aurora, Colorado
Field-by-field guides to every requirement we cover in Aurora, Colorado.
- ADA Compliance Self-Certification
- Alarm System Permit/Registration
- Application for Employer Identification Number
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp
- Aurora Colorado Liquor License (On-Premises)
- Aurora Colorado Unemployment Insurance Poster
- Aurora Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
- Aurora Food Protection Manager Certification
- Aurora Hood/Exhaust Ventilation System Permit
- Aurora Quarterly Contribution and Wage Report
- Aurora Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements
- Backflow Prevention Device Certification
- Building Permit
- Certificate of Occupancy
- City Business License/Registration
- Colorado COMPS Order Poster
- Colorado Employer Registration for Unemployment Insurance
- Colorado Employer Withholding Tax Registration
- Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Registration
- Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) Poster
- Colorado Job Protection and Civil Rights Poster
- Colorado Retail Food Establishment License
- Colorado Sales Tax Registration
- Colorado SecureSavings Program Registration
- Colorado Wage Theft Transparency Act Notice
- Colorado Workers' Compensation Notice Poster
- E-Verify Enrollment
- EFTPS Enrollment (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) (2026) |
- Electrical Permit
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
- Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act Poster (20
- Employee's Withholding Certificate
- Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return
- Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Poster
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
- Fire Department Operational Permit
- Food Establishment Plan Review
- Food Handler Training Certificate
- Food Service Establishment License
- Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)
- Grease Trap/Interceptor Permit
- Hazard Communication Program and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Liquor License (Local Approval)
- Mechanical/HVAC Permit
- New Hire Reporting
- OSHA Form 300A - Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (
- OSHA Job Safety and Health - It's the Law Poster
- Periodic Report Filing
- Plumbing Permit
- Sign Permit
- Trade Name/DBA Registration
- Wage and Tax Statement
- Water and Sewer Connection Permit
- Workers' Compensation Insurance Certificate
- Your Rights Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemploym
- Zoning Compliance Letter
Don't Miss a Permit in Aurora, Colorado
ApronPrep tracks all 61 requirements, alerts you before deadlines, and auto-fills your forms.