Who needs a zoning approval and certificate of occupancy in Arizona?

Issued by Your city or county planning and development department (Phoenix’s Planning and Development Department, for example), at step 3 of 6 in the opening sequence: approve the space.

Every kind of business in Arizona

The Arizona table lists this for every kind of business.

Confirm the zoning allows your use before signing; a change of use needs building permits and inspections, and the certificate of occupancy comes before the county health permit and the liquor license. Cities review the liquor application for zoning as the local governing body.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 3 of 6: Approve the space

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Your city or county planning and development department (Phoenix’s Planning and Development Department, for example).

Sources and dates

City and county zoning and building codes; Arizona adopts building codes city by city. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.