Home Business in Tempe, AZ (2026)
5 verified home business rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Tempe allows home-based businesses (home occupations) in residential zones under the Zoning and Development Code. The business must be secondary to the residential use, have no visible external evidence, and not generate excessive traffic, noise, or parking demand.
Tempe Home Business Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Tempe prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or displays advertising the business may be visible from outside the property.
Tempe Home Business Signage Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Tempe restricts customer and client traffic to home-based businesses. Home occupations should not generate traffic beyond what is normal for a residential neighborhood. High-traffic businesses are directed to commercial zones.
Tempe Home Business Customer Traffic Rules
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Arizona's Homemade Food Act (ARS 36-1161) allows Tempe residents to sell homemade food products directly to consumers without a food establishment permit. The annual sales cap is $75,000. Products must be non-potentially-hazardous and properly labeled. No city food permit is required. This law is especially popular in Tempe's diverse community near ASU.
Tempe Cottage Food Operations
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Home daycare in Tempe is primarily regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Caring for 1-4 unrelated children is generally exempt from state licensing. Daycares with 5-10 children need a DHS certificate of convenience. Tempe's zoning code permits home daycare as an accessory use in residential zones. ASU-area demand makes home daycare popular.
Tempe Home Daycare Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Home Business in Maricopa County →