The Town of Fountain Hills

Business 101: Licenses & Fees

Before You Start

Prior to seeking permits and licensing in the Town of Fountain Hills, you will likely have done the following:

• Determined there is a market for your business
• Registered the business name
• Established financing
• Defined or completed a legal structure for the business
• Searched for an appropriate business location

Before putting the “Open for Business” sign up, there are important local regulatory issues that require attention. While the needs and circumstances of each business are different, there are key issues that affect most small businesses.

• Verify that the zoning of your proposed business location allows your business
• Obtain your business license(s)
• Apply for required permits and/or licenses
• Verify required parking requirements
• Place signage at your business location
• Understand the process to expand a business or change your business use

Application for Business Licenses

All businesses located in the Town of Fountain Hills, or doing business within the town, must be licensed before beginning operation. If a business has more than one location in town, each location must have a separate business license.

Businesses that are required to remit transaction privilege tax (most often called sales tax) must obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax License. A separate transaction privilege license is required from the State of Arizona. For more information about taxes, visit Finance and Licensing.

Application Process

1. To apply for a license, complete the online license application. * When completed, print and return the application with a check for the $50, non-refundable application fee and applicable license fee as listed below.**

To download an application, click here (pdf).


2. NEW!: Proof of identification required to OBTAIN OR RENEW a business license
3. Once approval is received from Planning and Zoning and all other appropriate departments and all fees have been paid, a license will be mailed to the applicant.

* To receive an application via mail or fax, call 480-816-5100.
**Begin the application process at least 35 days prior to allow time for internal processing. Otherwise, there will not be enough time for license approval prior to the business start date

Separate License

Each business is required to have a separate license for each location or entity located in the Town of Fountain Hills.

Annual License Renewal Fee Table

Copies of Code

Copies of the Town of Fountain Hills Business Regulations code are available online at Business, Occupational and Professional ordinance.

Office Location

16705 E. Ave. of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
480-816-5100
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alarm Licenses

The Town of Fountain Hills requires that businesses that install or monitor alarm systems obtain a permit from the Town prior to performing any work.

Fees:

• $100, Application Fee
• $30, Annual License Fee
• $25 for each agent/installer/technician working in Fountain Hills
• Alarm License Application Form

Additional Requirements:

• A copy of the current, active C-12 contractor's license and /or an L67 low voltage communications license, issued by the state registrar of contractors
• Provide a current certificate of liability insurance for $1,000,000
• Fingerprint cards for each business owner/installer/agent/technician
• 1’ x 1’ photo for each installer/agent/field personnel working in Fountain Hills
• Current Town of Fountain Hills Business License

For more information, call 480-816-5176.

Peddlers, Canvassers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants Licenses

Any peddler, solicitor, canvasser, transient merchant or itinerant vendor must obtain a license prior to engaging in business within the corporate limits of the town.

Fees:

• $250, Application Fee (for 90 days)
• $25 for each set of agent working in Fountain Hills

Additional Requirements:

• Charitable, Religious, Patriotic or Philanthropic Organizations may apply for a permit without charge, subject to proof of status and approval of the Town of Fountain Hills
• Current Town of Fountain Hills Business License

Changes to Business

What happens if your business is moving, changing the name, the ownership changes or other changes are happening?

If the business name or address changes, or you are no longer doing business in the Town of Fountain Hills: Notify the TFH in writing within 30 days of the change. The notification can be done via letter. No special form is required.

If the business is sold: The prior owner must notify the TFH within 30 days of the change. This may be done via letter. The new owners must apply for a new business license. Licenses are not transferred from one business entity to another.

Business Resources

• Business Licensing Guide - Step-by-step guide to license and fee requirements.
• Catalog of Licenses - Business license descriptions and downloadable applications.