Phoenix vs Tempe
How do food truck permits rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix requires a mobile food vendor license under City Code §10-161. Each operating location requires a separate license. Units must not exceed 24 ft x 10 ft x 12 ft. Portable generators are prohibited. Hours are restricted: no operation between 2 AM and 6 AM for food vendors. Near schools, no operation between 6 AM and 5 PM within 300 feet.
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Food trucks operating in Tempe need a City of Tempe business license and a Maricopa County Environmental Services food establishment permit. The city regulates food truck locations through its zoning code and special event permits. Food trucks are popular near ASU, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake. Mobile food vendors must comply with health department requirements and city parking regulations.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Phoenix City Code §10-161 | - |
| License | Separate license per location | - |
| Unit Size | Max 24 ft x 10 ft x 12 ft | - |
| Generators | Portable/vehicle-mounted prohibited | - |
| Hours | No food vending 2 AM - 6 AM | - |
| City License | - | Tempe business license required |
| Health Permit | - | Maricopa County Environmental Services |
| Location | - | Zoning regulations and property owner permission |
| Events | - | Special event permits for organized gatherings |
| Popular Areas | - | Near ASU, Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake |
| Wastewater | - | Proper disposal required, no storm drain dumping |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
What license do I need to operate a food truck in Phoenix?
A mobile food vendor license is required under §10-161. A separate license is needed for each operating location. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department handles food safety permits, and you need an Arizona business license.
What are the operating restrictions?
Food trucks cannot operate between 2 AM and 6 AM. Within 300 feet of a school, operation is prohibited from 6 AM to 5 PM. Portable generators are banned. Units cannot exceed 24 x 10 x 12 feet.
Tempe FAQ
What permits do I need for a food truck in Tempe?
You need a Tempe business license and a Maricopa County food establishment permit. Special event permits are needed for organized food truck events.
Where can food trucks park in Tempe?
Food trucks may operate on private property with the owner's permission in zones that allow it. Public street locations must comply with parking regulations.
Can I set up a food truck near ASU?
Food trucks are popular near ASU but must comply with zoning, parking, and permitting requirements. Operating on ASU property requires university approval.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool