Business & Regulatory Licenses

Person who provides an adult service (as defined in Article VII. Sec.16-237 of Scottsdale Revised Code)

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE VII. Sec.16-237

Application Materials

• Adult Service Provider Application

Associated Fees

• $100 Initial Application and renewal Fee
• $10 City Fingerprinting Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Duplicate of Permit or Identification Card

Any business which is open to patrons during the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. which is the business premises of a state on-sale retail liquor licensee and where dancing or live entertainment may occur.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVIII. Sec. 16-574

Application Materials

• After-Hours Establishment Application
• After-Hours Establishment Supplemental Application

Associated Fees

• $500 Application Fee
• $500 License Fee (prorated per quarter for initial year)
• $25 Fingerprint Fee
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Additional Requirements:

Evidence of Arizona Department of Revenue Sales Tax license listing the region code of Scottsdale (SC)

Any person who purchases, leases, contracts for, or otherwise obtains for use an alarm system and who is responsible for the premises where an alarm system is located must have a permit.

Read more.

Auction House

Any person operating a place of business where property is received from other persons or businesses, when such property is to be sold to third parties, by auction.

Auctioneer

A person who runs a public sale where tangible property is sold to the highest bidder.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE IX.

Application Materials

• Auction House / Auctioneer
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $200 Initial License Fee, $100 annually thereafter
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee (If prints taken in License Registration office)
• $10 Duplicate License Fee (mailed license copy)

An interactive device that is installed within a retail space at which used consumer electronic devices are sold, traded, recycled, or otherwise received by a person.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XI.

Application Materials

• Automated Kiosk Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $500 License Fee per kiosk
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $100 Late Application Fee
• $10 Duplicate License Fee (mailed license copy)

Additional license required for those companies which are going out of business.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVIII.

Application Materials

• Close Out Sales Application

Associated Fees

• $25 Application Fee
• 10 Renewal Fee (One time for an additional 30 days)

Additional Requirements

• Copy of all advertisements
• Facts about the cause of the sale. (Bankruptcy, foreclosure etc)
• Detailed Inventory list with original cost

Businesses located in the City of Scottsdale require a Business Registration License Service or Merchant.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE II.

Charitable Solicitation

Registration of an organization that makes a public appeal for any charitable purpose when the organization holds an exemption thru the 26 U.S.C. Section 501 (c).

Non Profit in Scottsdale

All non profit businesses with a 501 (c) exemption with a location in the City of Scottsdale must register.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• Chapter 8

Application Materials

• Charitable Solicitations (Non-Profit) Application

Additional Requirements

• Submit copy of 501 (C) exemption statement granted by the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service.
• Submit copy of financial statement for the prior fiscal year.
• File a notarized statement within 60 days from date of expiration of permit showing amount raised, costs and amounts disbursed or to be disbursed for each purpose.

Additional license required for those companies or individuals who privately contract to collect refuse or solid waste.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XV.

Application Materials

• Solid Waste Recycling Application

Associated Fees

• $250 Annual License Fee
• $954.81 per truck per year (10 cubic yards or larger) prorated per quarter based on start date

Means a business to refer or furnish, for compensation of any kind, escorts to patrons or patrons to escorts. An Escort Bureau includes an Introductory Service.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XIV.

Application Materials

• Escort Bureau / Introductory Service Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $100 Initial Application Fee
• $175 Annual License Fee
• $25 Change in Location Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee (If prints taken in License Registration office)
• $100 Late Application Renewal Fee
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

- person hired to accompany another person to social functions or any place of amusement whether public or private in nature. Includes any person who assists an escort in the escort’s services.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XIV.

Application Materials

• Escort / Escort Assistant Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $100 Initial Application Fee
• $100 Permit Fee
• $50 Renewal Permit Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Identification Card Fee
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee (If prints taken in License Registration office)
• $100 Late Application Renewal Fee (if not renewed 60 days before expiration)
• $10 Duplicate Permit Fee

Establishment selling spirituous beverages.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE V.

Application Materials

• Liquor Permit Application

Associated Fees

• $100 - $500 Application Fee
• $100 Permit Issuance Fee
• $0 to $1,200 Annual Permit Fee dependent on series #, prorated per quarter based on state approval date

Additional Requirements

• Separately submit a state application. For information regarding the state application go to the Arizona Department of Liquor.
• If you are applying for Series 03 - Microbrewery, Series 06 - Bar, Series 07 - Beer & Wine Bar, Series 12 - Restaurant, Series 13 - Domestic Farm Winery, or Series 14 - Club (Private) State Liquor Permit you may also have to acquire a City of Scottsdale conditional use permit. For information go to Planning, Building and Zoning https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development

Means the service of parking vehicles for patrons of a business.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE V.

Application Materials

• Special Event Spirituous Liquor Application

Associated Fees

• $25 per day

Special Event and Covid-19 Information

• Special Events

Additional Requirements

• For additional Liquor License Information, State Liquor application and the review process visit: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/liquor-licenses

May include palmistry, phrenology, astrology, fortune telling, mind reading, clairvoyancy, tarot card reading or providing other similar activity or service.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE IV.

Application Materials

• Magic Arts Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $100 Annual License Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint and background check for each owner/officer or manager.
• Application must be made 30 days prior to the start of business.

Any place of business where any massage therapy is practiced or administered.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE VI.

Application Materials

• Massage Facility Application
• Massage Facility Supplemental Questionnaire

Associated Fees

• $100 Initial Application Fee
• $300 Annual License Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee per person
• $10 On site manager ID Card Fee
• $100 Late Application Renewal Fee
• $200 Late Renewal Fee
• $50 Change in location Fee
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Person who owns, controls, manages or leases a mobile food unit or contracts with a person to prepare foods and vend from, drive or operate a mobile food unit.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• Article XXII

Application Materials

• Mobile Food Vendor Application
• Background / Records Check
• Graphic Illustration for Approved Street Parking

Associated Fees

• $350 Application Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee per person
• $50 Renewal Fee
• $350.00 Late Renewal if not submitted 30 days prior to expiration
• $10 Duplicate License Fee (print) Electronic: No charge

Additional Requirements

• Commercial General Liability Insurance
• Business Automobile Liability Insurance
• Evidence of a fire inspection by the Scottsdale Fire Prevention Division or provide documentation the Mobile Food Unit passed a fire inspection by another city or town fire department in Arizona within the preceding 12 months. Please send email to Rstor[email protected] to schedule an inspection by Scottsdale Fire.

Fingerprints Required

Fingerprints will be submitted for a background check on all controlling persons of a business. Please call 480-312-2400 to set up an appointment to be fingerprinted.

Frequently Asked Questions

By what date must I have my City Mobile Food Vendor License in order to operate in Scottsdale?

All Mobile Food Vendors must be licensed by March 1, 2022.

Will every driver have to be fingerprinted?

No, drivers are not required to be fingerprinted unless they are owners or officers of the business.

Do I have to provide insurance and what amount?

If you will be operating on public property you are required to have insurance. We suggest $1,000,000 of commercial general liability insurance which is required if you are part of a Scottsdale special event.

How long will the license be good for?

The license is good for one year from the date of Issuance.

If I am not required to license with the State of Arizona, do I still need to license with Scottsdale?

In order to make that determination, written documentation for the exemption from the State Department of Health Services would need to be reviewed.

I am not working in the Downtown area – Do I still need to get a license?

Yes, the Ordinance is not limited to only one part of the City.

Once I am licensed, can I setup anywhere in the City of Scottsdale?

No, Per Section 16-655 (H) – Location - A mobile food vendor shall operate only in those zoning districts that permit a Mobile Food Vendor Use pursuant to City’s Zoning Ordinance. Please see the graphic illustration for parking information.

Do all Ice Cream Trucks licensed under Neighborhood Street Vendors need to also be licensed under the Mobile Food Vendor ordinance?

Yes, if operating in a commercially zoned area.

Can I setup my vehicle/cart in a City Park?

No, the sale of food, beverage and merchandise is prohibited in City Parks. There are limited instances when a mobile food vendor may operate in a park if they are part of a City approved special event.

Person engaged in street vending limited to peddling, vending or offering for sale any food item.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XXI.

Application Materials

• Neighborhood Street Vendor Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $250 Application Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Fingerprint Fee per person
• $10 ID Card Fee per person
• $50 Renewal Fee
• $30 Late Renewal Penalty if not submitted 60 days prior to expiration

Additional Requirements

• Commercial General Liability Insurance
• Business Automobile Liability Insurance
• Residential Vendor Routes (by Day)

A person who organizes and assumes the responsibilities of an exhibition, including contracting with vendors using the site and collecting admission receipts, if applicable.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE IV.

Application Materials

• Promoter Application

Associated Fees

• $250 License Fee if the application is not submitted at least 45 days prior to event and updates to vendor listing are not provided bi-weekly.

Additional Requirements

• Application must be made 45 days before the event.

Any post-consumer material which may be collected, separated, cleaned, treated or reconstituted and returned to the economic stream in the form of raw materials or products.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XV.

Associated Fees

• $50 Annual License Fee

Application Materials

• Recycling Application

Carrying on the business of buying, selling, trading or exchanging, or accepting for sale on consignment, or otherwise dealing in secondhand goods, wares, merchandise or articles, including, but not limited to antiques, jewelry, precious metals, gold, silver, platinum, precious and semi-precious stones, whether or not the business is the principle or sole business conducted or is rather a part thereof or incidental to it.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE IX.

Application Materials

• Secondhand Pawn Precious Metals
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $200 Initial License Fee, $100 annually thereafter
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee (If prints taken in License Registration office)
• $10 Duplicate Fee (mailed license copy)

Person on the premises of a sexually oriented business who is authorized to exercise overall operational control of the business.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE VII.

Application Materials

• Sexually Oriented Business Manager Application

Associated Fees

• $150 Initial Application and Renewal Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 City Fingerprint Fee
• $10 Duplicate of Permit or Identification Card

An adult service business or an adult video facility.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE VII.

Application Materials

• Sexually Oriented Business Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $500 Application Fee
• $500 Annual License Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Fingerprint Fee per person
• $10 Duplicate license (if mailed)

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint and background check for each owner (see ordinance).
• Photo taken for picture ID.
• Submit a copy of birth certificate or driver’s license.
• Names of the Managers.
• To scale drawing of the floor plan of the business premises indicating the manager stations.

What are Vacation Rental & Short-Term Rental Properties?

Vacation rentals or Short-term rentals are dwelling units for a rental term of less than 30 days to transient guests. They are considered the same as traditional dwelling units and are allowed by-right in all residential districts, subject to the following:

• All Dwelling units and any accessory guest houses must be rented or offered for rent together and may not be rented or offered for rent independently.
• All Dwelling units, including Vacation Rentals and Short-term rentals shall have a maximum family size of 6 adults (and their related dependent children).
• Non-residential uses, including retail, restaurant, banquet space, event center, or other similar use is prohibited.

No person shall operate a vacation rental or short-term renewal in the city without first having obtained a current vacation rental license from the city and paying the applicable fees.

• Short Term Rental Ordinance no 4566

Application Materials

• How to Register a New Account Guide
• How to Apply for a Short Term Rental License
• Citizen Portal - Complete Online Application
• STR-Vacation Rental Owner Designee Certification

Associated Fees

• $250.00 license fee
• $1000.00 penalty for every 30-day period the applicant fails to apply for their license

For additional information, please visit the Vacation Rentals and Short-Term Rentals page.

Individual traveling uninvited from business to business or house to house taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods for future delivery or for services to be furnished or performed in the future.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE IV.

Application Materials

• Solicitor (For Profit) Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $10 per day per person License Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint and Background Check for each solicitor.
• Application must be made 30 days prior to the event or start of business/solicitation

An enclosed or unenclosed structure which is open to persons from fifteen (15) through twenty (20) years of age, unaccompanied by an adult, at which music is furnished for the purpose of social dancing, and at which a person fifteen (15) through twenty (20) years of age pays an admission, membership dues, or a minimum Fee or cover charge, whether or not admission is limited to members only.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XII.

Application Materials

• Teenage Dance Center Application

Associated Fees

• $300 Application Fee
• $25 Background Check per person

Additional Requirements

• Submit application 45 working days prior to the issuance of the license.
• Fingerprints and Background Check for each employee and owner.

Any person who holds an Arizona Racing Commission permit for horse or dog racing events within Arizona and who accepts bets or wagers on the results of any pari-mutuel race at a location other than the race track.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVI.

Application Materials

• Teletrack Operator
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $500 Application Fee
• $3600 License Fee for up to (4) four pari-mutuel betting windows or tote machines. (3-year license)
• $1500 for each pari-mutuel window or tote machine in excess of four (4)
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Additional Requirements

• Proof that the applicant holds a valid permit from the Arizona Racing Commission to conduct pari-mutuel races within the State of Arizona.
• Copy of the agreement between the Teletrack Operator and Teletrack Wagering Establishment for the provision of Teletrack wagering.
• A plan of operation in accordance with the specifications of Arizona Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 2, Article 4, Section R. 19-2-404.

Any establishment at which a teletrack operator accepts bets or wagers on the results of a horse or dog racing program conducted by a teletrack operator at an authorized track within Arizona.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVI.

Application Materials

• Teletrack Wagering Establishment Application
• Background / Records Check

Associated Fees

• $500 Application Fee
• $600 License Fee
• $ State fingerprinting processing Fee: As set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• $10 Duplicate License Fee

Additional Requirements

• Written proof of age.
• Proof of current bar (Series 6) or restaurant (Series 12) liquor license.
• Accurate drawings to scale indicating the floor plan of all buildings on the premises and the precise location of all teletracking facilities and activities.
• Site Plan for all buildings and associated parcel lines, including evidence of compliance with Scottsdale Revised Code, Chapter 16, Article XVI, Section 16-500.
• Proof of an agreement between the applicant and each operator for use of the establishment by the operator for teletrack wagering purposes.
• A vicinity ownership map showing and labeling all lots within 500 Feet of exterior boundaries of parcel, not including public property or right of way.
• A vicinity ownership list and mailing labels properly addressed, containing names and mailing addresses, with correct zip codes, of owners of all parcels shown on the vicinity ownership map.
• A parking plan showing all parking spaces available for the site, and traffic flow patterns.
• A security plan which may include security guards and other appropriate measures for the protection of patrons, employees, and the public.
• Copy of the agreement between the teletrack operator and teletrack wagering establishment for the provision of teletrack wagering.
• Fingerprint and background check for each owner.

Means the service of parking vehicles for patrons of a business for onetime events.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVII.

Application Materials

• Valet Parking Special Event (Temporary) Application

Associated Fees

• $25 per day

Means the service of parking vehicles for patrons of a business.

Scottsdale Revised Code

• ARTICLE XVII.

Application Materials

• Valet Parking Application

Associated Fees

• $100 Application Fee
• $365 Annual License Fee
• $100 Late Application Renewal Fee