CASTLE PINES NORTH, Colo., Dec. 19, 2008 — Business owners and contractors who conduct their activities within the City of Castle Pines North are required to obtain a business license or contractor license by Jan. 1, 2009.

The new business and contractor licenses were approved by the Castle Pines North City Council last month, along with a reasonable business and contractor license fee schedule.

Such licenses help cities follow business activities, ensure contractors hold sufficient insurance, enhance economic development planning, and promote public health and safety.

Letters outlining the new business and contractor licensing program, fees and forms have been mailed to Castle Pines North businesses. All of the licensing information and forms are also available at www.castlepinesgov.com/treasurer.

Among the program details:

• Fees range from the standard business license at $50 to the contractor's Class A license at $250, plus a $5 application fee.
• Business licenses are required of all businesses operating in the city, regardless of whether they have a physical office location within the city limits. Contractors must obtain a license prior to working in the city.
• New businesses must obtain a license within 30 days after the business starts.
• All licenses must be renewed annually and expire on Dec. 31 of each year. Late fees apply for applications received after Jan. 1.

In addition to the detailed information at www.castlepinesgov.com/treasurer, business owners and contractors who have questions may contact Patrick Howell, City License Officer, at 303.705.0216.

Incorporated Feb. 12, 2008, Castle Pines North is a city of about 10,000 people located about 20 miles south of Denver in Douglas County. CNNMoney.com recently ranked Douglas County among the top 10 U.S. counties experiencing the most job growth over the past seven years. For more information on Castle Pines North and to sign up for e-mail alerts about city news, visit www.castlepinesgov.com.