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.
Arizona's Homemade Food Act (ARS 36-1161) preempts local regulation of cottage food, enabling Tempe residents to produce and sell homemade food from home kitchens. Permitted products include baked goods, candy, jams, dried herbs, roasted coffee, and other non-potentially-hazardous foods. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Products must be sold directly to consumers (farmers markets, online with local delivery, or from home). Wholesale to stores is not covered. Labels must include producer name and address, product name, ingredients, common allergens, and the home kitchen disclosure statement. No city food establishment permit is required. A general Tempe business license may be needed depending on the scale of operations. Sellers must comply with Arizona TPT requirements. Tempe's large student population near ASU and diverse community create strong demand for cottage food products. The city's farmers markets and community events are popular venues for cottage food sales.
Exceeding the $75,000 cap, selling non-exempt products, or failing to label properly may result in state enforcement. Operating without a business license may result in city action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle cottage food operations.
See how Tempe's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.