Businesses: Permits, Applications & Resources

Find applications, inspection information, and the resources you need to start a business, operate safely, and remain in compliance.

 

Do I Need A License?

Licenses and permit requirements vary depending on the type of business or activity. Use the guide below to help determine which permit may apply:

  • Selling Or Serving Food: Food Establishment License
  • Temporary Booth/Event: Temporary Event Permit
  • Food Truck/Mobile: Mobile Food Unit License
  • Hotel/RV Park: Public Accommodations License
  • Animal Facility: Animal Facility License
  • Pools & Spas: Semi-Public or Public Pool License
  • Refuse or Septic Haulers: Hauler or Pumper/Hauler License  
  • Home-Based Food: Home-based food businesses must comply with Arizona Cottage Food Program requirements.

Temporary events include fairs, markets, and festivals.

Requirements:

  • Application and fee submission
  • Food Handler Card
  • Booth layout diagram
  • Inspection

Includes food trucks, trailers, and carts.

New Mobile Food Units

If your mobile food unit has never been licensed or has been remodeled:

1.    A plan review is required. Mobile Food Guidelines are available online or at any Environmental Health office.

2.    Submit the applicable fee and a completed mobile food plan review application, including:  

    • Complete set of plans, to scale
    • Specification sheets for all equipment
    • Top view layout/equipment placement and openings
    • Side view plumbing schematic
    • Picture of unit, if available
    • Intended menu
    • Commissary agreement

3. Environmental Health will review your plans.

4. You will receive written approval or conditional approval letter.

5. When all requirements have been met, schedule a final construction inspection.

6. If approved, you can apply for your license by submitting:

    • Application to Operate
    • Motor Vehicle Registration
    • U.S. Issued Identification
    • Applicable license fee

7. After your license is issued, an opening inspection will be conducted within 30 days.

Existing Mobile Food Units

If the mobile food unit has been previously licensed and no changes to food preparation operation or menu are proposed:

  1. Request a consultation inspection (fee required prior to inspection).
  2. If approved, you may obtain your license by submitting:
    • Application to Operate
    • Motor Vehicle Registration
    • U.S. Identification
    • Applicable license fee 
  1. A plan review may still be required at the discretion of Environmental Health.
  2. After your license is issued, an opening inspection will be conducted within 30 days.

New Establishments

If your food establishment has never been licensed:

  1. A plan review is required before construction. The Construction Guide is available online or at any Environmental Health office.
  2. Submit a completed plan review application, including:
    • Facility floor plan
    • Intended menu
    • Applicable plan review fee
  1. Environmental Health will review your plans.
  2. You will receive written approval or conditional approval.
  3. Construction may begin only after approval is received.
  4. Once construction is complete, schedule a final construction inspection.
  5. If approved, you can apply for your license by submitting:
    • Application to Operate
    • Lease Agreement or mortgage statement
    • U.S. Identification
    • Applicable license fee
  1. After your license is issued, an opening inspection will be conducted within 30 days.

Existing Establishments

If the facility has been previously licensed and no changes are proposed:

  1. Request a consultation inspection (fee required prior to inspection).
  2. If approved, you may obtain your license by submitting:
    • Application to Operate
    • Lease Agreement or mortgage statement
    • U.S. Identification
    • Applicable license fee
  1. A plan review may still be required at the discretion of Environmental Health.

Additional Requirements

    • All food workers must obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment.
    • Each establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM):
      • Onsite during hours of food operations when involving higher risk foods, processes, or serving highly susceptible populations.
      • Available during hours of food operations when involving lower risk food or food handling processes.
      • Certain food establishments are exempt from the CFPM requirement and may include (but are not limited to): Establishments offering only commercially pre-packaged food, bottled water plants, vending operations, temporary food vendors, private membership clubs, warehouses, distributors, and similar operations.  

 

Includes fixed food and mobile food operations.

Home-based food production is allowed under Arizona law when approved and registered under the Cottage Food Program through Arizona Department of Health Services. Those registered under the Cottage Food Program must follow those requirements. Information on Arizona’s Cottage Food Program can be found online at www.azdhs.gov/CottageFood.

The issuance of licenses or permits through this department does not allow food storage or preparation in the home. If a home-based food operator wants to operate outside the requirements of the Cottage Food Program, a license or temporary permit must be obtained.   

Requirements include labeling and direct sales

Includes:

  • HACCP Plans
  • Bottled water
  • Variances