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).
The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance (MCZO) regulates land use in unincorporated areas. A 'residential home occupation' is allowed by-right as an accessory use in any rural or residential zoning district, subject to use-specific standards in Section 501.2.10 (Rural districts) and Section 601.2.8 (Residential districts). Standards address location and floor area, employees, utilities, nuisance, equipment and materials, dwelling modification, signs, commercial vehicles, customer visitation, deliveries, hours of operation, storage, and lighting. A 'cottage industry,' a higher-intensity home occupation that does not meet the by-right standards, requires a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors under Chapter 13 (Section 1301.1.18). The county updated the Zoning Ordinance effective January 9, 2026 (BOS approval December 10, 2025). Short-term retail activities limited to six days per year are not classified as a home occupation. Apply through Maricopa County Planning & Development at (602) 506-3301.
Operating a home business that exceeds Section 501.2.10 or 601.2.8 standards (extra employees, customer traffic, signage, outdoor storage, off-hours operation) without a Special Use Permit is a zoning violation enforceable through Planning & Development.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Gilbert's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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