Apply for a Commercial Lodging License

White outline of a hotel

All commercial lodging facilities in the City of Centennial are required to obtain a Commercial Lodging License, in accordance with the Centennial Municipal Code, Chapter 6, Article 11.

This licensing program is designed to enhance public safety by fostering collaboration between the City and lodging facilities. Through the program, the City provides support in the form of data analysis, law enforcement resources, calls for service reports, and, when necessary, guidance or requirements for facility and security improvements.

License Details

  • Currently there are no fees related to the issue and renewal of a Commercial Lodging License.
  • For existing businesses, your Commercial Lodging License will be issued in January 2026 pending a completed application and safety action plan. All future renewals must be completed annually in January.
  • For new businesses, your Commercial Lodging License will be good for one calendar year from the date of issuance. 

Important Dates

  • January 2026: Applications reviewed and licenses will be issued for existing businesses.
  • November 2026: Application renewals will be accepted. Renewal applications are due no less than 45 days prior to the expiration date.
  • January 2027: Must have a valid Commercial Lodging License and be in full compliance.

Effective January 1, 2027, all commercial lodging facilities will be required to obtain a Commercial Lodging License. 

Online

Step 1.Licensing Requirements

Before applying for a Commercial Lodging License, please review the Centennial Municipal Code, Chapter 6, Article 11. This helps prevent delays and supports a smooth licensing process.

Items required for a license include:

  • A completed application.
  • A completed Safety Action Plan and any additional attachments.
  • An inspection of the property conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and Centennial staff, if applicable.

Step 2.Review Safety Action Plan Questions

Safety Action Plan Questions

  1. Discuss how you plan to ensure the premises is well lit and regularly maintained. For example: parking lots, hallways, alleys, etc.
  2. Describe your system of surveillance and public paths, including areas of foot traffic. How are those spaces controlled/monitored?
  3. How do you regulate the parking lot and building entrances?
  4. Do you have a method for tracking and auditing key usage? Including the keys that staff have access to. If a key is lost or misplaced, what is the process for replacement and tracking of guest keys?
  5. Does the property have locks on the doors and windows (including slide/chain bolts)?
  6. What sort of safety testing does your property conduct? For example, regularly testing door security and ensuring the technology is working properly as well as key inventory audits.
  7. How do you maintain control and safety over your parking facilities, and are there regular audits to ensure these measures are working correctly? For example, what type of security cameras do you have, lighting, exit/entrance control.
  8. If a surveillance system is utilized, how is the footage or recording maintained? Does your staff have access to the footage and what is the schedule for archival/deletion of recordings? What areas do the cameras cover? Optional: include camera locations in the attached property diagram.
  9. What kind of identification is provided by guests? For example, driver’s licenses or other identifications. Do you issue a parking pass for overnight guests with vehicles? How are you maintaining a record of the license plates, as required by Centennial Municipal Code?
  10. Do you have a landscape maintenance plan that maintains 2’ maximum height ground foliage and tree’s trimmed 6’ above ground level?
  11. Does your property have on site security coverage?
    1. If so, please describe your security staffing.
    2. Discuss your policy for unattended/unauthorized vehicles.
    3. What is the policy for responding to trespassers?
    4. How do you handle suspicious packages?
    5. Is there a policy for evictions?
    6. What is the policy for use of force?
  12. Would you like our homeless coordinator to connect with individuals in need on your property?

Step 3.Apply for a License

First time users will need a valid email address to set up an account. It takes about 5 minutes to create a new account.

Commercial Lodging License Application

Step 4.Submit Application

It takes up to one business day to begin processing your application.

Once your application is submitted a permit number will be generated.

Step 5.What to Expect

Once your completed application and safety action plan are received, City staff will review the materials and will contact you directly to schedule an inspection, if applicable. Approved licenses will be issued via the application portal. Please allow sufficient time for review and processing.

Questions

For any questions, please reach out to the City Clerks Office.

Contact Us

Location

City of Centennial
13133 E. Arapahoe Rd.
Centennial
80112
View Map

Other Information

24-Hour Citizen Response Center

303-325-8000

Related Information

Back to top