Extension of Premises for Restaurants in Maricopa County
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maricopa County continues to provide relief options to assist restaurants during these difficult times. Allowing the extension of premises into parking lots and/or sidewalks can provide additional space for patrons to dine at their favorite restaurant(s) while allowing social distancing to be effectively achieved. Owners/operators should contact their landlord as a first step to receive approval.
Restaurant – Extension of Premises
A temporary extension of premises shall be valid for the duration of the COVID-19 public health state of emergency as declared by the Governor of Arizona and shall expire when the state of emergency ends. Extensions of premises for dining can be approved in both incorporated or unincorporated areas of Maricopa County.
Incorporated (city or town):
Restaurants located in a city or town that will be conducting food preparation activities or adding equipment within the extended premises must submit an application for review by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) at Incorporated Extension of Premises. There is no fee associated with this review from MCESD. The city or town in which the restaurant is located may have additional requirements so please review the information in the resources link below.
If no food preparation or equipment is added to the extended premises, no application is required to MCESD. Consult with your health inspector if you have any questions.
Unincorporated (County island):
Restaurants located in unincorporated Maricopa County are required to submit an As Built Plan of Development Application to the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department (PnD). Permission from the local fire jurisdiction is a condition of approval. Building permits are only required for the extension of electrical or the construction of permanent structures. There is no fee for the PnD submittal.
Any expansion into the public right of way (ROW) must have approval from the local city or the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT).
The Unincorporated Extension of Premises application can be accessed by clicking the As Built Plan of Development tab.
