Business Licenses
Applying for a business license in Carefree is a straightforward process. Payments of all applicable fees mentioned below can be paid through the online portal. Business licenses are valid from July 1 of the current year through June 30 of the following year. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth application process:
ALL businesses must obtain a license prior to opening for business in the Town of Carefree (Town Code, Chapter 8, Section 8-1-1.
Step 1: Fill Out An Application
The first step to doing business in Carefree is filling out the business license application online within in the Permit & License Portal. If you are a brick-and-mortar business, contractor, farmers market vendor or a generic event vendor a business license/vendor permit is REQUIRED.
Step 2: Verify Local Zoning /Tenant Improvements
If you are considering to start a new business in Carefree, you must verify that local zoning regulations permit your type of business. Our Planning Director & Zoning Administrator, Stacey Bridge-Denzak, will review the zoning of the property your business is located on to confirm if your proposed use for that location complies with the Town's Zoning Ordinance requirements.
The Town strongly encourages you to reach out and ensure your business is permitted before signing a lease or purchasing the property.
If you plan to make any improvements to your location, including paint, flooring, drywall, etc., you must apply for the correct permits. Our Building Official can assist with ensuring you meet the Commercial Tenant Improvement Standards.
If you plan to add temporary or permanent signage to your location, please fully review the Town Code on signage.
Step 3: Building Safety Inspection /Certificate of Occupancy ($100)
BEFORE starting operations of your brick-and-mortar business a Certificate of Occupancy is required.
The Building Department must perform a safety inspection which requires a payment of a $100 fee through the online portal. Request an inspection from the online portal HERE. The fees must be paid prior to the inspection.
Once the business inspection is approved, your Certificate of Occupancy will be issued at the same time of your Business License.
Step 4: Obtain Business License ($50)
After all the previous steps have been fulfilled and everything has been approved by the appropriate departments, your business license will be approved and issued via the portal. Business licenses are valid from July 1 of the current year through June 30 of the following year.
Additional Steps:
Understand how to pay sales tax (sign up at AZtaxes.gov)
Schedule fire inspection with Carefree Fire Department
Review local signage rules for temporary and permanent signs
Understand the process to remodel, expand or change your business.
