LC/PA Licensure Q&A Page
Limited commercial and public applicators are defined in C.R.S. 35-10-103 of the Pesticide Applicators’ Act.
"Limited commercial applicator" means any person engaged in applying pesticides in the course of conducting a business other than the production of any agricultural commodity; except that such application shall be only in or on property owned or leased by the person or the person's employer.
"Public applicator" means any agency of the state, any county, city, and county, or municipality, or any other local governmental entity or political subdivision which applies pesticides.
Limited commercial and public applicators that apply restricted use pesticides (RUP) are required to register with the Department and meet all of the same standards as a commercial pesticide applicator.
- Who must register as a limited commercial pesticide applicator?
If your business uses restricted use pesticides (RUP) on a property you own or lease, in the course of (non-agricultural) business, a limited commercial applicator registration is required.
All registration submission requirements are similar to those for commercial applicator businesses, although the fee is $50/year and there is no liability insurance requirement. Limited commercial entities that only apply general use pesticides (GUP) can voluntarily register with the Department. Once registered you must meet all business requirements and would be subject to inspection.
- Who must register as a public pesticide applicator?
Any agency of the state, any county, city, and county, or municipality, or any other local governmental entity or political subdivision that uses restricted use pesticides (RUP) must register as a public applicator.
All registration submission requirements are similar to those for commercial applicator businesses, although the fee is $50/year, no submission from the Secretary of State is required and there is no liability insurance requirement.
Any state public entities that only apply general use pesticides (GUP) can voluntarily register with the Department. Once registered you must meet all business requirements and would be subject to inspection. CDA does not register any federal public entities.
- Are there requirements for non-registered limited commercial or public applicators?
Yes, in accordance with C.R.S. 35-10-109, non-registered limited commercial and public applicators must ensure that owners or designated employees that apply general use pesticides must be trained in core pesticide use, as outlined in Part 16 of the Rules.
Colorado State University offers a basic training course that meets these requirements.
- Am I required to notify the department of licensed applicators working for my business?
Yes. Registered limited commercial and public applicators are required to notify the Department and link any employee holding an individual license (qualified supervisor or certified operator) within 15 days of their hire date or release from employment.
The form must be signed by both an authorized business representative and the individual licensee.
- How long does it take to process my application?
Processing normally takes up to five business days after receipt by CDA. To check on the status of your license in process you can contact Commercial Applicator Licensing Administrator at commercialapplicator@state.co.us.
- How long is my registration good for?
Limited Commercial and Public Applicator registrations are good for the calendar year. Licenses issued in the middle of the calendar year are not pro-rated and expire on December 31st of each year.
- How do I renew my license?
It is the businesses responsibility to renew their license. As a courtesy, CDA generally mails a renewal application each November, but if this is not received, contact the Department at (303) 869-9066 or commercialapplicator@state.co.us to request a renewal application.
- What about record keeping?
Registered limited commercial and public applicators must comply with the record-keeping requirements outlined in C.R.S. 35-10-111 of the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act (PAA), and Part 6 of the Rules associated with the Act.
- What if I employ non-licensed technicians?
Non-licensed technicians, or “Applicator Technicians” are required to be trained in accordance with the Technician Training requirements outlined in Part 5 of the Rules associated with the Pesticide Applicators’ Act. “Applicator technician” means a technician whose job includes the use of pesticides.
You are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate training records of all applicator technicians employed. Applicator technician training must meet the minimum standards outlined in Part 5 of the Rules for the specific pest management category(s) they conduct pesticide applications in. An applicator technician, once trained, can only make General Use Pesticide (GUP) applications under the supervision of a licensed qualified supervisor (QS) that holds the specific licensure category; and restricted use pesticide (RUP) applications under the direct on-site supervision of a QS that holds the specific licensure category.
- Does my business have an obligation to notify persons listed on the pesticide-sensitive registry (PSR) of my pesticide applications?
Yes, registered limited commercial and public pesticide applicators licensed in the Turf, Ornamental and certain Structural Pest Control categories are required, pursuant to C.R.S. 35-10-112.
- Is my business subject to inspection by the Department?
Yes, C.R.S. 35-10-119 provides the Department the authority to conduct inspections of your business premises, equipment, and records. Each new licensee should expect an inspection during their first year of business.
On-going licensees are inspected on a rotating basis, but on average about every three years. Routine office inspections conducted at your business location include, but are not limited to; a review of your licensing credentials for the pest categories you are conducting business in, a review of your application records, training records, pesticide storage, and equipment. The Department may also conduct field inspections. During these inspections, a CDA inspector will monitor a pesticide application, verify that all required PPE is being used, that all application equipment is in good working order and conduct a label review.