Street vendor permits in Tucson, AZ — sometimes called sidewalk vendor licenses, mobile vendor permits, or peddler permits — are the licenses required to sell goods or food on public property.
Street vending in unincorporated Pima County requires a Pima County Health Department food handler permit for food vendors and compliance with county zoning for location. Arizona HB 2481 (2016) preempted local bans on cottage food sales, expanding options for home-based vendors.
Pima County regulates street vendors through its health and zoning codes. Food vendors must obtain a Pima County Health Department food establishment permit or mobile food vendor license, which requires plan review, inspections, and compliance with the Arizona Food Code (AAC R9-8). The Pima County Health Department Environmental Health division conducts inspections of mobile food units and temporary food stands. Arizona cottage food law (ARS 3-584) allows sales of non-potentially-hazardous home-prepared foods without a food establishment license, with annual gross sales up to $75,000. Non-food vendors in unincorporated areas must comply with Pima County zoning code Chapter 18.77 regarding temporary uses and roadside sales. Vendors operating on county rights-of-way need encroachment permits from Pima County Department of Transportation. Sales on Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui tribal lands follow separate tribal permitting processes.
Operating without a health permit: closure order and fines up to $1,000. Zoning violations: notice of violation, fines up to $300/day. Health code critical violations can result in immediate suspension.
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