How to Open a Business in Silverthorne

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Business Checklist

Below please find the steps required to open your business in the Town of Silverthorne. Please note that additional steps may be required depending on the type of business. Timing for permits and licenses may vary depending on the current volume of applications and staff availability at the local, county and state levels.

If you are a new owner taking over a previously established business in Silverthorne, please be aware that conditional use permits and business licensees do not transfer to the new owner.

Review Silverthorne Comprehensive Plan
Review Design Standards in the applicable district
Review Zoning Restrictions and Use Schedule
Have a Concept Review meeting with the Town of Silverthorne Planning Department
Review site plan and floor plan for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Town Code and Design Standards
Determine if a Conditional Use Permit is required
Review Sign Code for each district
Review licensing and permitting requirements
Water and Sewer Tap Fees
Stormwater Management Fees
Liquor and Tobacco Licenses
Any additional required planning applications

Financial Assistance

The Town of Silverthorne offers several opportunities for businesses to apply for grant funding. Grants are open for application once a year and are reviewed through a competitive process.

Concept Review

While not required, businesses are strongly encouraged to schedule a concept review meeting with the Town of Silverthorne Planning Department to discuss business concepts and review applicable requirements. Planning staff can help determine if the proposed use is approved for the desired location or if it will require special permits and fees, such as as Conditional Use Permit or Town Council approval for structure modifications.

Silverthorne Planning Department staff may be contacted at (970) 262-7360 or via email to at to schedule a concept review meeting.

Planning & Zoning

The Town of Silverthorne Planning Department ensures that the development and growth of the Town are consistent with the Silverthorne Comprehensive Plan, Town Code, and Design Standards. Planning oversees the review of development applications, including but not limited to, site plan proposals, annexations, re-zonings, PUD designations, conditional use permits, variances, and sign permits. Once you find a location that you are considering for your business, scheduling a concept review meeting with the Planning Department is encouraged to help ensure business proposals meet all Town standards and Code requirements.

Zoning

Check the Town of Silverthorne Zoning Map to make sure your business can legally operate in its location. The zoning on all property within Town limits establishes what uses are allowed on a specific property. The Planning Department can help verify the zoning for any location you are considering.

Conditional Use Permit

Some zoning districts allow conditional uses which would normally not be allowed in that particular zone. Conditional use permit applications require a review by the Town Planning Department and Planning Commission, with additional approval by Town Council. For more information, email the Planning Department.

Building Permits

All new construction, remodels, demolition, and additions to existing structures require permits and inspections. The permit and inspection process ensures that local standards are being met and provides for public health and safety of occupants and customers. Any change in the use or occupancy of the building must be approved by the Silverthorne Planning Department. During the permitting process, stormwater management fees and water/sewer tap fees will be determined based on the number of Equivalent Residential Units(EQRs).

Signs

All signs must meet the standards defined in the Town Code. These standards ensure that signs within the Town of Silverthorne are aesthetically pleasing, of appropriate scale, and well-integrated with their surroundings, while effectively promoting commerce. The Sign District map helps identify the requirements for signage in each of the Town's five sign districts.

Licensing

Business License

The Town of Silverthorne requires all businesses maintaining or engaging in business, including service-oriented businesses, within the Town to obtain an annual Business License to conduct business in the Town of Silverthorne. The Town of Silverthorne allows home occupations within residential zoning districts if they meet certain criteria. All home occupations must be registered with the town by completing a business license application.

Liquor License

The Town of Silverthorne requires a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages within Town limits. Liquor laws of the state of Colorado restrict the sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. Any person intending to manufacture, sell or deal in spirituous liquor in the state of Colorado must apply for a liquor license.

Tobacco, Nicotine or Cigarette Product Licensing

Tobacco retailers are required to obtain both state and local licenses. The State license (Cigarette, Tobacco Product, or Nicotine Product Retailer License) is obtained through the Colorado Liquor and Tobacco Enforcement Division. The local license from the Town of Silverthorne may be obtained by completing a Silverthorne Tobacco Retailer License application.

Taxes

Sales Tax

If you are selling, leasing, or renting tangible personal products or taxable services to the public, you are required to collect sales tax on those sales. Businesses must obtain both a State of Colorado and Town of Silverthorne Business/Sales Tax License.

The Colorado state sales tax rate is 2.90%. The Silverthorne Sales Tax rate is 2.0% of net sales and taxable services.

View the Silverthorne Town Code to see if your product or service is taxable.

Silverthorne Sales Tax Breakdown

2.90% Colorado State Sales Tax
2.00% Summit County Sales Tax to Town
2.00% Town of Silverthorne Sales Tax
0.75% Summit County Transit Tax
0.275% Combined Housing Authority
8.375% Total

Lodging Tax

The Town requires hotels, motels, bed &breakfasts, property management companies and homeowners who short-term rent their Silverthorne residences to collect a lodging tax. All businesses, property managers and homeowners collecting the lodging tax must have a Silverthorne business license or short-term rental license and a Colorado Sales Tax License. The lodging tax is remitted directly to the Town of Silverthorne.

Silverthorne Contacts

Stay Connected

Town Council Meetings

Town Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at 601 Center Circle. View Town Council agendas and learn more here.

Silverthorne Planning Commission

The Silverthorne Planning Commission meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at 601 Center Circle. Learn more about Planning Commission here.

Town of Silverthorne Events

Stay up to date with all of the fun Town of Silverthorne events by viewing the event calendar here.

Silverthorne Business Newsletter

If you are a current business owner in Silverthorne and do not already receive the monthly Silverthorne Business Newsletter, email us and we will add you to the list.

Town of Silverthorne Newsletters

Stay in the know of all things Town of Silverthorne and subscribe to one or all of the e-newsletters covering Town Council, the Recreation Center, the Art Spot Silverthorne Makerspace, events and general town news.

Town of Silverthorne Social Media

Follow the Town of Silverthorne on social media for the latest news, updates, events and more.

Please note that this checklist is offered as a courtesy to help businesses navigate local requirements for starting a business in the Town of Silverthorne. It is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that all requirements are met.

Town of Silverthorne, CO

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