A special event is an event that is temporary (lasts for a day to a few weeks) and has food and/or beverage vendors and/or samplers. Special events can include festivals, fairs, promotional events, and farmers' markets. Special events can occur indoor or outdoor. Special events require a Special Event Coordinator Permit and may require a Special Event Permit. Learn more below.

All events in Coconino County involving food service operations must have a permitted Special Event Coordinator. Failure to submit a Special Event Coordinator application at least 10 business days before the start of the event may lead to disapproval/cancellation of the event by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health. A list of all vendors participating is required to be submitted with the application. This list needs to include vendor name, contact name, phone number, and email. Updated lists can be uploaded with permit application.

There is no fee for a Special Event Coordinator Permit unless you plan to have a permit that will cover limited food service operations. Limited food service operations include individuals selling pre-packaged food, non-potentially hazardous food (i.e. food that is not temperature sensitive) and participants of the State of Arizona’s Cottage Food Program.

When submitting a Special Event Coordinator Permit application, it is encouraged to submit Special Event Permit applications for individual Vendors/Samplers/Limited Food Service Operations covered under the permit.

Recurring events:
A recurring special event is an event that occurs on multiple, non-consecutive days in a year. For example, a farmer's market is a recurring event that occurs one day a week for months. A recurring event is not a single day or weekend event that occurs annually.

For recurring events it is the responsibility of the coordinator to submit individual applications for each sampler or limited food service operation covered under this permit to Coconino County no later than 10 business days prior to their operation at the market. This is applicable for vendors/samplers that may join a market during the season.

By selecting an application you will be redirected to the Environmental Health Portal. You will need to create an account or log into an existing account to complete the application.

All vendors/samplers/limited food service operations at a Special Event must obtain a Special Event Permit. This includes vendors/samplers/limited food service operations serving non-potentially hazardous food (e.g., lemonade, hot drinks, snow cones, caramel apples, popcorn, cotton candy, kettle corn, alcohol) and potentially hazardous food (e.g., hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, BBQ, etc.).

If a food and/or beverage is pre-packaged, not potentially hazardous (not required to be hot or cold held) and not opened and/or sampled at the event, a Special Event Permit may not be required. (e.g., canned/bottles of alcohol/soda not poured into cups, wrapped power bars).

Applications must be received by CCHHS Environmental Health at least 10 business days prior to the event. Late applications will be assessed a penalty fee (see fees).

Licensed Facilities in Coconino County:
Food and beverage vendors that have a licensed mobile food unit in Coconino County or catering license in Coconino County are not required to obtain a temporary event permit. However, a Special Event Coordinator Permit must be obtained.

Licensed facilities in Coconino County (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores) are required to obtain a Special Event Permit. A permit is required since the facility is operating outside the scope of their license and will be inspected at special events.

AZ Cottage Food Program:
Participants of the State of Arizona’s Cottage Food Program are required to submit a Special Event Permit application. However, payment will only be required if there is open food handling at a special event(s). All participants of the State of Arizona’s Cottage Food Program need to meet all requirements (including labeling and ingredient requirements) as outlined by the Cottage Food Program. More information can be obtained on the Cottage Food Program at State of Arizona Cottage Food Program.

By selecting an application you will be redirected to the Environmental Health Portal. You will need to create an account or log into an existing account to complete the application.