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Maricopa

Maricopa County

If your business will be based and/or operate in an unincorporated region of the county, check with the county Planning and Development Department for possible zoning laws and/or restrictions. (24)

Contact: Maricopa County Planning and Development Department, 602.506.3301

 

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department issues permits to and performs inspections on businesses like food establishments (which includes restaurants, caterers, vending machines, micro markets, retail grocery stores, bakeries, delis, meat markets, mobile food vendors, etc.), special events, farmers' markets, public accommodations, public/charter school grounds, public and semi-public swimming pools, campgrounds, and trailer parks. In addition, the Department regulates water, wastewater and solid waste-related activities (which includes waste transportation vehicles, refuse containers, chemical toilets, portable restroom units, portable waste holding tanks or construction debris landfills.) (24)

Contact: Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, 602.506.6616

 

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department regulates potential sources of air pollution under the Clean Air Act and the Maricopa County Air Pollution Control Regulations. Commonly permitted facilities include gas stations, paint/auto body shops, manufacturing facilities, woodworking facilities, dry cleaners, landfills, power generating facilities, construction sites, and facilities with boilers or emergency generators, as well as, demolition/renovation activities that may involve asbestos. The Business Assistance office is available to help businesses navigate through the applicable regulations and permit process and offers technical guidance and courtesy site visits. (24)

Contact: Maricopa County Air Quality Department, 602.506.6010

 

The Maricopa County Clerk of the Board provides application processing and assistance for statutorily mandated procedures to applicants and/or requestors so they can conduct or maintain community related activities. This includes Bingo Licenses, Fireworks Display Permits, Liquor Licenses & Permits, Off-Track Betting (OTB)/County Fair Licenses, Public Service Franchises, and Uniform Video Service Licenses. (24)

Contact: Maricopa County Clerk of the Board, Licenses & Permits, 602.506.3766

 

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office issues pawnbroker licenses within Maricopa County and verifies compliance with statutory requirements. (24)

Contact: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Judicial Enforcement Division (JED), Civil Unit: Pawn Detail, 602.876.1844 

 

County Offices

Each county office sets its own rules. Therefore, if you wish to conduct business in more than one county, you will need to check with each county directly regarding any business compliance requirements they may have for your particular business. There is not a "blanket state license" that allows you to "opt out" of obtaining any local permits which may be required.

For economic and demographic profiles on Arizona counties, visit our County Profiles. (22)

 

 

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Local Compliance

There may be restrictions on where you can locate your business and what improvements you can make to your existing property, so it is necessary to contact the city/town (or county if business will be based in an unincorporated region of the county) planning and zoning division regarding zoning laws before you commit to anything.

Certain types of businesses or business activities may be subject to special licensing at the local level - in addition to any other business license requirements. Examples include: food-related businesses, street vendors, hanging flyers, knocking on doors, selling second-hand items or antiques, selling ammunition/firearms, activities involving liquor, pet grooming, selling scrap metal, auctioneers/auction houses, carnivals, fortune telling, pawn shops, alarm-related businesses, massage businesses, etc.

The county health departments issue permits to - and perform inspections on - businesses like food establishments, pet shops, public accommodations, public and semi-public swimming pools, mobile food vendors, and trailer parks. The county regulates water, wastewater and solid waste related activities.

Contact the different city/town/county departments directly - such as planning and zoning, building, business licensing, regulatory (special) licensing, environmental, fire, and police/sheriff – to inquire about any business compliance requirements they may have for your particular business/business location. (24)