Home Business in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Zoning Restrictions

Home occupations in unincorporated Maricopa County are regulated by county zoning ordinance. Arizona is a business-friendly state with relatively permissive home business rules. ARS §11-820 limits county ability to restrict certain home occupations. HOA CC&Rs may impose additional restrictions.

Maricopa County Home Business Zoning (Unincorporated)

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Signage Rules

Maricopa County zoning ordinance prohibits exterior signage for home occupations in residential zones. No exterior display, sign, or other indication of business activity is permitted that would alter the residential character of the property. Home businesses must operate without any visible exterior evidence of commercial use.

Home Business: Signage

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Home occupations in unincorporated Maricopa County must not generate traffic volumes or patterns inconsistent with the residential neighborhood. The zoning ordinance requires that home businesses remain secondary to the residential use and not create parking, noise, or traffic impacts that affect neighbors. Limited client visits may be permitted depending on the zoning district.

Home Business: Customer Traffic

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

Arizona's Cottage Food Law (ARS 36-1791) allows home-based food production statewide without a county health permit. Residents may sell non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, candy, jams, dried fruits, etc.) directly to consumers with annual gross sales up to $75,000. Labeling with name, address, and disclaimer is required. No county permit beyond standard business registration is needed.

Home Business: Cottage Food

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

Home-based daycare in Arizona is regulated at the state level by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). A home daycare caring for 5 or more children (not including the provider's own children) must be licensed by ADHS. Fewer than 5 children is considered informal care and does not require state licensing. The county zoning ordinance may require a use permit for daycare in residential zones.

Home Business: Daycare Home

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Occupation Permits

Unincorporated Maricopa County allows two tiers of home-based business under the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance: low-intensity 'residential home occupations' permitted by-right as an accessory use in rural and residential districts (Sections 501.2.10 and 601.2.8), and 'cottage industries' that require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Supervisors (Chapter 13).