Maricopa County, AZ Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- MCDOT Right-of-Way Permit before setup
- Plan review fee
- $100 per sheet
- Permit duration
- 6 months, extendable
- Penalty
- Up to class 2 misdemeanor fine/day
- Scope
- Unincorporated county right-of-way only
Summary
Fairs, festivals, and block parties held in county right-of-way need an MCDOT Right-of-Way Permit before setup, with a $100-per-sheet special event plan review fee and no work allowed until it's issued.
Special Events: One-time occupation such as neighborhood block parties, holiday celebrations, fairs, festivals, promotional events, sporting events, and other similar types of events, approved to occur in Maricopa County Right-of-Way.
Full Breakdown
Under Maricopa County Ordinance P-36 (the Right-of-Way Ordinance), a fair, festival, block party, or promotional event held on county right-of-way in unincorporated Maricopa County is a regulated 'Special Event' occupation. Organizers must get an MCDOT Right-of-Way Permit before any setup, pay a $100-per-sheet special event plan review fee, and meet the same plan, insurance, and assurance requirements as other right-of-way work. Food and beverage vendors at the event also need a separate temporary or seasonal food establishment permit from Environmental Services.
Violations & Fines
Occupying county right-of-way for an event without an MCDOT permit is unlawful; civil penalties run up to the maximum fine for a class 2 misdemeanor, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a street fair in Maricopa County?
Does this cover street fairs in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Do food vendors at the fair need anything extra?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona special events & permits overview
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