Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Tempe, AZ.
In Tempe, AZ, an event organizer applies online to the Special Events Office for a special event permit at least 60 days ahead. Vendors need a Tempe General Business License plus an Arizona transaction privilege tax license, promoters keep a vendor list, and food vendors get temporary food permits from Maricopa County Environmental Services.
Not shown, based on your answers: food vendors. See everything for Tempe.
Event permit.
Special Event Permit (online EventApp)
Organizers create an account and file the Special Event Application online, then wait for city review; submitting does not mean approval. The office publishes a permit handbook, fee sheet, sample site plans, a Fire EMS agreement, a police off-duty agreement and liquor forms.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Tempe Special Events Office
- When
- Festivals and special events held in the City of Tempe; Tempe's page does not give size thresholds, so ask the office whether a small market needs one
- Fee
- $50 application permit fee, with a $100 late fee if submitted within 60 days of the event, per the city fee sheet (marked effective January 1, 2021); event space and road closure fees are extra
- Timing
- Begin the online application at least 60 days before the event
Vendor and business licenses.
Tempe General Business License
Tempe requires a General Business License for any business holding a TPT license that does business in the city, which would include vendors licensed to sell at Tempe events. Apply online through the city's tax and licensing page.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Tempe Tax & License (Financial Services)
- When
- Businesses that hold a Transaction Privilege Tax license and conduct business in Tempe, among other groups (a business with a valid Tempe regulatory license does not need one)
Sales tax.
Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license for special event vendors
Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting TPT under the retail classification, applying for the license with the Arizona Joint Tax Application (JT-1). A promoter may hold a license and collect for vendors only when a central cash register is used; vendors selling independently must be licensed themselves.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Arizona Department of Revenue
- When
- Anyone selling tangible personal property at a craft show, swap meet or special event; display-only vendors and qualifying nonprofits do not need one
- Fee
- The cost for each license per location is $12
Promoter TPT license and vendor list
Promoters may take out a TPT license to collect and remit tax for participating vendors if a central cash register system is used. A promoter that charges booth rent, admission or sells food and drink on site can also owe TPT in other business classifications.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- Arizona Department of Revenue
- When
- Organizers of swap meets, flea markets, fairs, festivals and other transient selling events
What the rules ask of you about vendors.
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. 42-1105 G), the operator of a swap meet, flea market, fair or similar event must keep a current list of the vendors selling there, with each vendor's name, business name and address; the Department of Revenue can require it. Official page
When to apply.
- Special Event Permit (online EventApp): Begin the online application at least 60 days before the event
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-11. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Tempe Special Events Office, 480-350-5180. Full page and sources for Tempe.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
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Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.