STEP 1: Confirm the business is allowed in the Zoning District
Contact Planning and Zoning at Planning.Info@MesaAZ.gov or call 480-644-2385

Looking for a property’s Zoning District? Research an address on the Planning and Zoning Map.

STEP 2: Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is required
If you do not have a Certificate of Occupancy, please request a copy of the existing certificate and floor plan through a Document Retrieval Request or search online records.

If no C of O is on file, see Permitting Requirements To Obtain A Certificate Of Occupancy topic.

STEP 3: Contact Tax and Licensing departments for assistance with taxes and licensing requirements.

STEP 4: Request a Fire Safety Operational Permit (FSOP)

First tenant - No existing occupancy

Speculative suites or spec suites are initially built for a nonspecific use, allowing a future business use and occupancy classification to be determined later. To finish the space and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for a spec space, please submit a full set of drawings prepared, sealed and signed by a registered design professional for review and permitting. Submit the Commercial Permit request through the permit portal Dimes. 

• Fees are based on the improvement’s construction costs. See pg. 4-6 of Development Services fee schedule.
• Once occupancy has been established, the suite will be considered an existing occupancy going forward.
  
  

Existing Occupancy or Change of Occupancy with construction

A permit is required for alterations, additions, or modifications including but not limited to the following:

• Building systems: electrical, plumbing, mechanical
• Structural & Reconfigurations: interior / exterior structure and/or dividing walls
• Operation specific: grease traps, floor drains, kilns, open flame devices, etc.
• Safety: fire sprinklers/ suppression / alarms, access control, ADA
• Lot changes: landscape, grading / drainage, driveway access
• Storage: outdoor storage, high pile storage & racking, fencing / gate(s)

Find commercial building permit requirements

• Plans must demonstrate compliance with applicable governing codes and submitted for review through the Dimes system.
• All work will need to be completed by a licensed contractor. 
• A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after inspections are passed and conditional holds are met.

If exterior façade improvements are needed, Planning and Zoning approval may be required prior to a tenant improvement permit being issued. Includes exterior paint color changes, landscape changes, and other site and design element & material changes. Contact Planning.Info@mesaaz.gov

Existing Occupancy without construction­

If no work is needed and the building or suite is move in ready and requires nothing more than painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work and; the facility will be used the same way as its previously approved occupancy group and use, the following may proceed:

• Duplicate C of O. Start with requesting Document Retrieval or provide proof of existing C of O prior to requesting a duplicate Certificate of Occupancy. Depending on findings, contact smbz@mesaaz.gov for more information.
• Name Change. Same process as the duplicate C of O process. Note: Mesa does not require name changes on a C of O if the building use and occupancy class continues as originally permitted, although, some state agencies require the current business name on the C of O.

Change of Occupancy without construction

Change of Occupancy permit (with inspection) is necessary if the occupancy classification or function within the building is changing but not increasing the concentrated use of the space. A building permit is required if there is a change in resource demand or intensity of use. Contact us by email smbz@mesaaz.gov or call 480-644-5600 for more information.

No record of existing occupancy, address, or space configuration

A permit (with inspection) is necessary if the occupancy classification, function, address, existing use or space layout is not confirmed through the document retrieval process.  To obtain a current Certificate of Occupancy submit building plans for review through the Dimes system. Contact us by email smbz@mesaaz.gov or call 480-644-5600 for more information.

Interested in Mesa’s requirements for a home based business? As an accessory use, occupants in a single Residence Zoning District can operate a home occupation that complies with Mesa’s Standards for Specific Uses and Activities, specifically Section 11-31-33 HOME OCCUPATIONS of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance (MZO). Detailed Residential Use Classification information can be found in Section 11-86-2 and Home Occupations are defined in MZO Title 11 Article 8 Chapter 87.

If you need site specific requirements or zoning verification for your home business, please provide an address so that the zoning district and applicable regulation can be determined by emailing a Planner of the Day Planning.Info@mesaaz.gov or by calling 480-644-4726.

City Licensing and/or the State of Arizona may require a license as well?  Be sure to contact Licensing directly with licensing questions at Licensing.Info@mesaaz.gov. 

Residential short-term and long-term rental home property owners are required to:

1. Register the rental property with Maricopa County Assessor’s Office per ARS 33-1902
2. Obtain an Arizona Department of Revenue Transaction Privilege Tax License
   1. Use Mesa’s Business Class Code for Transient Lodging Tax for short-term stay.
   2. TPT Guidance on Residential Rentals

Arizona State Statute 9-500.39 limits cities and towns regulation of vacation and short-term rentals.

Residential care homes such as assisted living homes, group homes, and other communal living residences where (5) or more non-persons live and receive care services are subject to specific Arizona, Maricopa County, and City of Mesa Codes.

Community Residence Registration for Residential Care Homes 

Mesa Zoning Ordinance

Mesa Building Code

Mesa Fire Code

Food Carts, Mobile Food Vendors, and Food Safety

Need to obtain a Food Handlers Card, get a food cart inspected or have general questions? Check out the links to get you started.

City of Mesa Requirements:

Mobile food vendors need a specialty license through the City of Mesa Licensing Office

Mobile Food Vendor Application

Maricopa County Requirements:

If you are requesting a Food Permit through Maricopa County for the first time, you are encouraged to call 602-506-3301 before beginning the permit process.

Note: Maricopa County no longer issues Food Service Worker cards. Maricopa County still requires all food employees be trained and that documentation of this training be maintained at the food establishment. 

• Maricopa County Mobile Food Permits
• Maricopa County Environmental Services
• Food Handlers Card Certification
• For Food Cart Inspection / Mobile Food Vendor Inspection                                                                     email  esplanreview@maricopa.gov or call (602)506-6824 

Zoning Districts, Planning Case History, and more valuable information can be found by searching a Mesa Address on the Planning and Zoning Map.  Need help understanding the map information?  Contact Planning.Info@mesaaz.gov or call 480-644-4726. 

Need a Quarter Section Map, Utility Finder, or Traffic Counts? Want to know what City Improvement Projects are in the works? City of Mesa has a variety of maps and resources available online.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: A certificate issued after applicable building regulation requirements have successfully completed and building occupancy has been established. Such regulation steps include but are not limited to plan review, permit issuance, inspections and conditional holds. The certificate is an official document signed by the Building Official which lists the permit record, property address, business name, technical code edition, permissible occupancy group and use of space, and the total number of occupants allowed in the structure or space at any given time. Note: After the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the ongoing compliance of the approved use, classification, and maximum number of allowed occupants permitted is checked during the regular fire inspection process.

CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY:A change in the use of a building or a portion of a building that results in any of the following:

1. A change of occupancy classification.

2. A change from one group to another group within an occupancy classification.

3. Any change in use within a group for which there is a change in application of the requirements of this code.

• 2018 MFC 7-2-2 Amendments to the 2018 International Fire Code. 102.3 Change of use or occupancy. A change of occupancy shall not be made unless the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the International Existing Building Code.

TENANT COMPLETION: The work performed by or on behalf of the initial tenant in a shell building, or space within a shell building, resulting in the completion and occupancy of the building or space.

TENANT IMPROVEMENT: Work performed by or on behalf of a tenant in a completed building, or space within a building, that has previously received a Certificate of Occupancy.

Where in the Code?

MESA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE – BUILDING REGULATION. 4-1-4: - PERMITS. (A) Permits Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this Chapter or the technical codes, or to cause such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Safety Director and obtain the required permit or permits:  

4-1-2(I) EXISTING OCCUPANCY – The legal occupancy of any building or structure existing on the date of the adoption of Title 4 Chapter 4 Section 1 of Mesa Code of Ordinances shall be permitted to continue without change, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life, health, and safety as determined by the Building Safety Director. EXCEPTIONS: 1) Change in occupancy or use. Spaces undergoing a change in occupancy that would result in an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy shall comply with this code. Where the use in a space changes from one use in Mesa Energy Code Table 505.5.2 to another use in Table 505.5.2, the installed lighting wattage shall comply with Section 505.5. 2) Change in space conditioning. Any non-conditioned space that is altered to become conditioned space shall be required to be brought into full compliance with this code.

• Building Regulation 4-1-6: - CERTIFICATES from the Mesa Administrative Code Amendments
• Building Regulation 4-1-4: Permits
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Mesa Fire Code
• Mesa Code of Ordinances

Zoning - Planning
Verify city zoning to ensure the business operation is a permissible use for the zoning district.

Which Council District is my business in?
Use the Explore Mesa map to learn more about important contacts for your Council District.

• Mayor & Council

Permits - Development Services
Sign Permits, Certificate of Occupancy, Commercial Tenant Improvement & remodeling permits coordinated through Development Services.

• Alarm Permits - Alarm Ordinance 6-15 requires alarm permits for all alarm users within city limits.
• Fire Safety Operational Permit

Backflow Prevention
Obtain a permit through the Department of Development Services prior to installing backflow protection in a commercial or industrial setting. The Water Quality Services office maintains a list of premises requiring backflow prevention assemblies.

City Irrigation Service
We serve approximately 300 irrigation customers between Mesa Drive and Country Club, and 8th Street and 8th Avenue.

Economic Development
It is the mission of the Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) to enhance Mesa’s economy, creating quality jobs, and increasing per capita income to improve the quality of life for Mesa’s residents. Providing valuable information, incentives, programs, and resources for businesses in Mesa.

Grease Interceptors (Traps) - Industrial Pretreatment
Restaurant and food truck grease interceptor (grease trap) information, Grease Removal Device (GRD) and Pretreatment Inspection.

Licensing
Some business types may need a specialty license.

Trash & Recycle Service
Mesa's Environmental Management & Sustainability Department offers an extensive array of full-service, cost-effective solid waste programs and services to Mesa businesses and multi-unit communities. Roll-off rentals, dumpsters, barrels, disposal and recycle information, see their options  and rates online.

Tax
Apply for Transaction Privilege Sales & Use Tax (TPT) License through Arizona Department of Revenue (AZDOR)

Utilities
City of Mesa water, sewer, trash, and electric provider contract information.

Various City Phone Numbers:

• Animal Control 480-644-2268
• Backflow Prevention 480-644-6462
• Code Compliance 480-644-2061
• Graffiti Hotline 480-644-3083
• Fire Prevention 480-644-2622
• Mesa Utility Control Center for Utility Emergencies 480-644-2262
• Non-Emergency Police 480-644-2211
• Roach Hotline 480-644-3550

District 4 Councilmember Jen Duff
Vice Mayor Duff is a supportive proponent of business with a passionate focus on Downtown Mesa growth and sustainability. Feel free to reach out to Jen with any questions or thoughts.

Downtown Transformation Office
See active projects, explore partnerships, scout redevelopment opportunities, and follow the progress of Mesa’s downtown transformation.

Downtown Mesa Association
The Downtown Mesa Association is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the beneficial economic growth and business development of downtown Mesa, the cityʼs central business district and original square-mile townsite. We accomplish this through policy development, advocacy, and program management functions conducted on behalf of downtown property and business owners, and in cooperation with public and other private-sector partners.

Local First - Change Starts Locally
A culture that is best represented by local businesses and the unique experiences that they create. Local First’s mission to build that hometown pride that helps people step up and invest in Arizona’s economy.

Arizona 811 - Call Before You Dig

Arizona Small Business Association & Administration
Whether you are already up and running or just getting started, the Arizona Small Business Association can help. ASBA provides benefits to the small business community including information, lending, networking, insurance, workshops, and seminars.

• Arizona Small Business Association
• Small Business Administration Arizona District Office

Arizona Business Resources
Checklists, resource links, form links, guides, programs, webinars, and more.

Arizona Corporation Commission
Reserve a business entity name, register a new Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) or update business operation records.

Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions
State of Arizona information, guidance, and resources for all types of insurance policies.

Arizona Licensed Contractors - Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Find a licensed contractor through the AZ ROC.

Arizona Liquor License - Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control
The process starts with the State. Once the State has approved the liquor application, the application will be forwarded to the City of Mesa Licensing Office at which time you will be contacted by a City of Mesa representative.

Food Establishments, Food Carts & Food Safety
Need to obtain a Food Handlers Card, get a food cart inspected or have general questions?  Check out the links to get you started. 

If you are requesting a Food Permit through Maricopa County for the first time, you are encouraged to call 602-506-3301 before beginning the permit process. Note: Maricopa County will no longer issue Food Service Worker cards. Maricopa County still requires all food employees be trained and that documentation of this training be maintained at the food establishment.

• Food Handlers Card Certification
• Maricopa County Food Permits
• Maricopa County Environmental Services
• Food Establishment Inspection (Food Cart inspections please email esplanreview@maricopa.gov or call (602)506-6824 to schedule your inspection.)

Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Internal Revenue Service
Apply for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Employer Identification Number (EIN), if applicable.'

Trade Name & Trademark Registration - Arizona Secretary of State
Protect your intellectual property by registering your trade name, trademark, partnership name, or “Doing Business As” (DBA) name with the state.

Asian Chamber Inc. - Advocating for Commerce
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the Asian Chamber of Commerce Incorporated is passionately dedicated to serving the Arizona Asian American & Pacific Islander community.

• Mesa's Asian District

East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Hispanic economic resource in the East Valley
Providing access to and information about the Hispanic and emerging markets. Promote networking opportunities to facilitate economic growth in the region.

Mesa Chamber of Commerce - Community Network Group
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce exists to improve, promote, and advocate for businesses in Mesa.

VisitMesa - Visitors Association
Mesa, Arizona is a boundless destination surrounded by the natural Sonoran Desert beauty of Tonto National Forest and the communities of Apache Junction, and Queen Creek. This regional recreation playground boasts an assortment of lifestyle and leisure pursuits for visitors.