Home Business in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

5 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 & Home Occupation Permits

Unincorporated Maricopa County allows home occupations by right under 16 zoning conditions: owner-occupied, fully enclosed, up to three non-resident employees, but a Special Use Permit is required if any condition isn't met.

Maricopa County Home Occupation Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 603.9

Home Occupations Subject to the Following: 1. The entrepreneur of a home occupation shall reside in the dwelling on the property in which the business operates... 3. The business shall be conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building... 16. If these conditions cannot be met, a Special Use Permit per Section 1001.1.5. of this Ordinance shall be required.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Signage Rules

In unincorporated Maricopa County, a home occupation's sign is capped at four square feet and must otherwise meet the county's general sign standards under MCZO Article 1102.1.

Maricopa County Home Business Sign Limit

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 603.9(8)

There shall be no change to the residential appearance of the premises, except that a separate business entrance shall be permitted. A maximum four (4) square foot sign shall be permitted, and the sign shall otherwise meet the requirements of Article 1102.1 of this Ordinance.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Home-based businesses in unincorporated Maricopa County are capped at five customers, clients, or students on-site at any time, with none allowed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Maricopa County Home Business Client Limits

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 603.9 (Home Occupation, Residential)

10. The number of customers, clients, or students on the premises shall not exceed five at any time. ... 11. No non-resident employees, customers, clients, or students shall be permitted on the premises for business purposes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

Unincorporated Maricopa County lets food establishments serve or sell food made in a private home under Arizona's cottage food law, but only if the customer gets a copy of the required state package label. The Environmental Services Department enforces this as a local amendment to the adopted Food Code.

Maricopa County Cottage Food Labeling Rule

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Environmental Health Code, Ch. VIII, Sec. 2, Reg. 1(a)(2) & (b)

Paragraph 3-201.11(B) is amended to read: food prepared in a private home may not be used or offered for human consumption in a food establishment unless the food is prepared in compliance with A.R.S. § 36-136(H)(4)(g)... A food establishment that serves or vends food directly to the consumer that has been prepared in a private home in compliance with A.R.S. § 36-136(H)(4)(g) shall ensure that ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

In unincorporated Maricopa County, a home daycare for up to four children is a by-right use in every residential zoning district, but only if it meets seven operating conditions in the zoning code.

Maricopa County Home Daycare Zoning Rules

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance § 602.4

1. The owner/operator of the daycare shall reside in the dwelling unit in which the daycare operates. 2. The rear and/or side yard is enclosed and provides a minimum of 75 sq. ft. per each child occupying the outdoor activity area. ... 4. The total number of children under compensated care shall not exceed four (4) at any one time. ... 7. No pick-up or drop off of children shall be permitted on...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗