Restaurant Grade Cards: Phoenix vs Surprise
How do restaurant grade cards rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Phoenix and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department inspects every Phoenix restaurant under MCEHC §1 and §3, scoring critical and non-critical violations. Arizona uses a numerical scoring and violation-disclosure model, not a posted A-B-C letter grade card.
View full Phoenix rules →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department inspects every food facility countywide under MCEHC Chapters 1 and 3, scoring critical and non-critical violations. Arizona uses a numerical scoring and online disclosure model rather than a posted A-B-C letter grade card.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Inspector | Maricopa County Environmental Services | Maricopa County Environmental Services |
| Code | MCEHC Chapters 1 and 3 | MCEHC Chapters 1 and 3 |
| Scoring | Numerical score plus violations | Numerical score plus violations |
| Letter grade | None posted in Phoenix | None posted countywide |
| Public search | MCESD online inspection portal | MCESD inspection portal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Does Phoenix post A-B-C letter grades on restaurant doors?
No. Arizona uses a numerical scoring system with full violation reports posted online by Maricopa County. Letter grade cards in storefront windows are a Los Angeles and New York system, not Phoenix.
How often is my favorite restaurant inspected?
Risk-based: low-risk locations once per year, medium-risk twice, and high-risk three times annually. Complaint-based and follow-up inspections happen on top of the routine schedule.
Where can I see inspection results?
Search any Phoenix restaurant on the Maricopa County Environmental Services online inspection portal. Reports list every priority violation, the score, and the date of the next required follow-up.
Surprise FAQ
Does Maricopa County post A-B-C letter grades on restaurant doors?
No. Arizona uses a numerical scoring system with full violation reports posted online by Maricopa County. Letter grade cards in storefront windows are a Los Angeles and New York system, not used in this county.
How often is my favorite restaurant inspected?
Risk-based: low-risk locations once per year, medium-risk twice, and high-risk three times annually. Complaint-based and follow-up inspections happen on top of the routine schedule whenever a critical violation is documented.
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