Avondale, AZ Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

A home occupation in Avondale must comply with the conditions in Zoning Ordinance Section 28-33(l) - it must be conducted entirely within the dwelling or a permitted accessory structure, be secondary to residential use, have no employees who do not reside in the home, allow no customer visits (with a salon/barber exception), and display no signs. Beyond zoning compliance, the city requires a business license. As of January 1, 2024, only fixed business locations inside Avondale - brick-and-mortar or home-based - require a business license, and home-based businesses are specifically listed as needing one. Business licenses expire December 31 each year, and the application fee is tiered by submission period: a $25 application fee plus an annual fee that decreases through the year ($40 Jan-Mar for a $65 total, down to $10 Oct-Dec for a $35 total). Annual renewal is $40 per license, due January 1, with possible late fees for delinquency. Certain activities are exempt from the business license requirement, including childcare or babysitting businesses, residential rentals, individual educational lessons or tutoring from a non-commercial location, and casual private sales. Apply, renew, and manage the license through the city's online portal. Contact the Business License office at (623) 333-2001.