ES-2021-002_BOS_SR.PDF

Maricopa County — Formal (2021-10-06)

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Page 1 of 2 
 
 
Report to the Board of Supervisors 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 
 
 
Board of Health (BOH) 
Meeting Date: 
August 9, 2021 
 
Board of Supervisors  
Hearing Date: 
October 6, 2021 
 
 
Case #/Title:  
ES-2021-002/MCEHC Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII 
 
Supervisor Districts: 
All Districts 
 
Applicant: 
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 
(Department) 
 
Request: 
Approve proposed revisions to Maricopa County Environmental 
Health Code (MCEHC) – Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII.   
 
Support/Opposition: 
The Department has not received comments in favor or against 
this Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program (EROP) case. Five 
stakeholders attended the public meeting on May 7, 2021. 
However, no opinions on the case were voiced at the meeting. 
 
Department 
Recommendation: 
Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approve the 
proposed MCEHC.  
 
BOH  
Recommendation: 
Approve per Department recommended MCEHC language 
and proceed on the EROP expedited process. 
 
Executive Summary: 
Proposed MCEHC revisions include: clarification that an 
approved inspection to operate and payment is required 
before a permit is considered valid, removing hearings before 
the Environmental Health Officer (where not required by statute 
or another regulation) and adding a third party hearing officer, 
updating references for plumbing codes and statutes, deleting 
a mechanical code reference that has been repealed, 
updating frozen dessert pasteurization requirements, and 
allowing for the operation of a shared facility without the need 
for a second permit. In addition, the proposal includes 
requirements for the manufacture of frozen desserts in retail

Page 2 of 2 
food establishments and an option for school and public 
accommodation new owner transition. 
 
This proposal is following Maricopa County’s EROP policy. In 
addition, this proposal does not contain fee revisions. 
 
In accordance with the Maricopa County Resolution, 
“Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens,” the County 
Manager authorized the Department to proceed with this case 
in early April 2021. Also, the County Manager briefed the Board 
of Supervisors in April 2021. 
 
The Department conducted a stakeholder workshop on May 7, 
2021. Then on August 9, 2021, the Department presented a Staff 
Report for this case to the Board of Health (BOH) at which time 
the BOH approved this case to proceed on the EROP expedited 
process for the BOS to adopt the proposal. 
 
Presented by: 
Darcy Kober, R.S. Director 
 
Attachments: 
Report to the BOH (2 Pages) 
 
County Manager Memo (1 Page) 
 
Proposed MCEHC Revisions (12 Pages) 
 
Presentation – Stakeholder Meeting (5/7/21) (4 Pages) 
 
Stakeholder Meeting Minutes (5/7/21) (1 Page)

Report to the Board of Health 
To Approve for Expedited Process 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 
Case #/Title: 
ES-2021-002/MCEHC Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII 
Meeting Date: 
August 9, 2021 
Supervisor Districts: 
All Districts 
Applicant: 
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department 
(Department) 
Request: 
Approve the proposed Maricopa County Environmental Health 
Code (MCEHC) revision for the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach 
Program (EROP) Expedited Process.  
Support/Opposition: 
The Department held a virtual stakeholder public meeting on May 
7, 2021.  Six stakeholders attended the meeting; however, an 
opinion on the case was not voiced.   
Department  
Staff recommends the Board of Health approves this MCEHC 
Recommendation: 
revision proposal for the EROP Expedited Process.  
Discussion: 
This proposal updates MCEHC chapters I, VIII, X and XIII. Proposed 
revisions include: clarification that an approved inspection to 
operate and payment of fees is required before a permit is 
considered valid, removing hearings before the Environmental 
Health Officer (where not required by statute or another regulation) 
and adding a third party hearing officer, updating references for 
plumbing codes and statutes, deleting a mechanical code 
reference that has been repealed, updating frozen dessert 
pasteurization requirements, and allowing for the operation of a 
shared facility without the need for a second permit.  In addition, the 
proposal includes requirements for the manufacture of frozen 
desserts in retail food establishments and an option for school and 
public accommodation new owner transitions.  
This MCEHC proposal is following the EROP policy and workflow 
process.  In accordance with the Maricopa County Resolution, 
“Moratorium on Increased Regulatory Burdens,” the County 
Manager authorized the Department to proceed with this case in 
April 2021.  Also, the Board of Supervisors were briefed in April 2021.

Attachments: 
County Manager Case Approval (1 Page) 
Proposed MCEHC Revisions (12 Pages) 
Presentation – Stakeholder Meeting (05/7/21) (4 Pages) 
Stakeholder Meeting Minutes (1 Page)

1-1 
 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
CHAPTER I  
GENERAL PROVISIONS  
 
REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 3. No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 4. 
Permits, Service and Other Requirements 
a. to c.  No change 
 
d. 
Any person denied a permit based on Regulation 4.c.(2) of this Chapter may 
exercise the following options: 
 
(1) 
Request, in writing, that the Environmental Health Officer specify 
conditions necessary to provide reasonable assurance that full compliance 
with provisions of this Environmental Health Code will be achieved.  The 
Environmental Health Officer within five (5) working days of the request 
shall specify said conditions; or 
 
(2) 
Request in writing a hearing before the Environmental Health Officer as 
specified in Chapter I, Regulation 6. 
 
e. to j.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 5. 
Fees 
a. No permit shall be issued, and no permit is valid, until the ALL ASSOCIATED permit feeS 
is ARE received by the Department, AND AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN CONDUCTED 
AND/OR THE APPROVAL TO OPERATE HAS BEEN GRANTED, except that the 
operator of a charitable nonprofit establishment (which operates to provide relief 
predominantly for the poor, distressed or under-privileged) may apply to the Board of Health 
for a waiver of permit fee.  A waiver of fee may be granted only to the operator of an 
establishment, which maintains a current 501(c)(3) tax exempt designation from the 
Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, who demonstrates to the Board of 
Health that payment of said fee will cause financial hardship.  Board of Health granted fee 
waivers expire pursuant to the required permit listing in section d. of this regulation.  
Application for a permit fee waiver shall be made using forms provided by the Department. 
 
(1) 
to (3) No Change

1-2 
 
 
b. to d. No Change 
 
REGULATION 6. 
Rejection of Application – Right to a Hearing 
A person who has been denied a permit may within 15 days of notification thereof request a 
hearing. before the Environmental Health Officer to show cause for why a permit should be 
issued. THE HEARING SHALL BE HELD BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 
OFFICER OR AN INDEPENDENT HEARING OFFICER APPOINTED BY THE 
DEPARTMENT TO SHOW CAUSE WHY A PERMIT SHOULD BE ISSUED. 
 
REGULATION 7. To REGULATION 14.  No Change

8-1 
 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 
FOOD, FOOD PRODUCTS, 
 
FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS 
 
 
SECTION 1 
 
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
REGULATION 1. 
Definitions  
 
(1) to (50)  No Change 
 
(51)  
“Pasteurization (Frozen Desserts)” means the process of heating every particle of 
mix to at least 155ºF. and holding at such temperature for at least 30 minutes, or 
to at least 175ºF. and holding at such temperature continuously for at least 25 
seconds, in approved and properly operated equipment; provided, that nothing 
contained in this definition shall be construed to prevent the use of another 
process which has been demonstrated to be equally efficient and is approved by 
the Department 
 
(52)  to (70)  No Change 
 
(71) 
“Shared Facility” means any food establishment that shares food preparation, 
food storage and/or warewashing facilities with three (3) or more permitees under 
different ownership. 
 
(a) 
The responsible party must obtain a commissary permit at the specified 
location before subsequent permits will be issued by the Department. 
 
(b) 
If the commissary permit is vacated, all food establishments using the 
commissary as a base of operation will subsequently be vacated. 
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHARED FACILITIES 
  
A. THE SHARED FACILITY OWNER MUST PROVIDE EACH PERMITTEE WITH A 
DESIGNATED AND LABELED SPACE FOR THE STORAGE OF SUPPLIES AND DRY 
GOODS. ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS STORED MUST 
ALSO HAVE A DESIGNATED AND LABELED LOCATION IN THE REFRIGERATION 
UNIT. THE SHARED FACILITY OWNER MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO 
ALL AREAS UPON REQUEST BY THE DEPARTMENT.

8-2 
 
 
(72) to (77)  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 2.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 3. 
Permit Required 
 
a. No person shall operate a food establishment without a valid permit to operate from 
the Department unless: 
(1) The person is operating the food establishment in compliance with 
Section 2, Regulation 7 of this Chapter; or, 
(2) The food establishment is exempt from permitting based on the 
provisions in A.R.S. § 36-136(H)(4) § 36.136(I)(4). 
b. The permit to operate shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises of the 
food establishment. 
 
 
REGULATION 4. to REGULATION 7.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 8. 
General Sanitation 
 
 
The following shall be complied with in all food establishments:  
 
a. to e.  No Change 
 
  
 
f. 
Plumbing  
 
(1) 
All plumbing shall be sound, tight, durable, and properly located, installed 
and maintained in good order and repair, and shall not constitute a source of 
contamination to food, equipment or utensils, or create an insanitary 
condition or nuisance. No plumbing fixture, pipe or device which provides, or 
which may provide a connection between a potable water supply and a 
drainage, soil, waste or other sewer pipe so as to make possible the 
backflow of sewage or wastewater into the water supply system shall be 
installed or permitted to remain installed. All plumbing shall be installed 
in accordance with this code. and in accordance with Arizona Administrative 
Code, R4-48-102 
 
(2) 
No Change 
 
(3) 
No Change

8-3 
 
(4) 
Conformance with the following requirements or similar requirements  shall be 
adhered to for the determination of Maricopa County Environmental Health Code 
compliance with plumbing and mechanical codes. The 2009 International 
Plumbing Code and 2009 International Mechanical Code, as adopted by the 
Maricopa County Board Of Supervisors on August 18, 2010 and as amended by 
Section 301 of Chapter 3 of the Maricopa County Planning & Development 
Department’s Local Additions & Addenda dated October 2010, shall be adhered 
to for code compliance. This material is on file with the Maricopa County 
Planning & Development Department and is available at its web site at 
http://www.maricopa.gov/planning/resurces/constructioncodes/default.aspx  
 
THE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS ADOPTED BY THE 
MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AS 
AMENDED BY SECTION 301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA 
COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL 
ADDITIONS & ADDENDA, SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR CODE 
COMPLIANCE. THIS MATERIAL IS ON FILE WITH THE 
MARICOPA 
COUNTY 
PLANNING 
& 
DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT 
AND 
IS 
AVAILABLE 
AT 
https://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes.   
 
g. to i.      No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 9. to REGULATION 11.  No Change

8-4 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
FOOD, FOOD PRODUCTS, 
FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS 
 
SECTION 2 
 
FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS 
 
 
REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 4. No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 5. 
Gloves, Use Limitation 
 
If used, single-use gloves shall be used for only one task, such as working with ready-to-
eat food or with raw animal food.  Single-use gloves shall be used for no other purpose, 
and shall be discarded when damaged or soiled or when interruptions occur in the 
operation. 
 
a. 
Slash-resistant gloves that are used to protect the hands during operations 
requiring cutting shall not be used in direct contact with food, unless that food is
subsequently cooked as specified under Part 3-4 of the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration 2013 Food Code, such as frozen food or a primal cut of meat. 
 
b. 
No Change. 
 
c. 
Cloth gloves may not be used in direct contact with food unless the food is 
subsequently cooked as specified under Part 3-4 of the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration 2013 Food Code, such as frozen food or a primal cut of meat. 
 
d. 
Latex gloves may not be used in direct contact with food. 
 
 
REGULATION 6. to REGULATION 8  No Change

8-5 
 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 
FOOD, FOOD PRODUCTS, 
 
FOOD HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS 
 
 
SECTION 6 
 
 
FOOD RELATED FACILITIES 
 
 
In addition to complying with the regulations in Section 1 and 2 of this Chapter, 
beverage plants, damaged and salvaged food establishments, bakeries, ice manufacturing 
plants, refrigerated warehouses, and food catering establishments shall comply with the 
following regulations. 
 
REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 5.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 6.  Frozen Desserts 
 
a. Finished products - after pasteurization, frozen desserts or frozen dessert mix shall 
not contain in excess of 20 coliform per gram and/or in excess of 50,000 plate 
count of bacteria per gram at any time.  
b. Method of determination - bacteria and other counts referred to herein shall be 
based on recognized standard methods of analysis as prescribed in the latest 
edition of standard methods for the Examination of Dairy Products of the 
American Public Health Association, Inc.  
c. The Department shall suspend the conversion of pasteurized mix into frozen 
dessert whenever the bacteria counts and/or coliform determinations exceed the 
quality standards for frozen desserts in three out of the last five samples taken on 
separate days. 
 
A. A VARIANCE IS REQUIRED FOR A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT THAT 
PREPARES A FROZEN DAIRY DESSERT MIX/BASE FOR IMMEDIATE 
CONSUMPTION USING AN ALTERNATIVE PASTEURIZATION 
PROCESS.   
  
B. NO WHOLESALE, OFFSITE SALES OR SALES FROM A SELF-
SERVICE RETAIL CASE OF FROZEN DAIRY DESSERTS ARE 
ALLOWED UNLESS A LICENSE IS OBTAINED IN ACCORDANCE 
WITH A.R.S. § 3-607.

8-6 
 
REGULATION 7 to REGULATION 9  No Change

10-1 
 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
RESIDENCE ACCOMMODATIONS 
 
SECTION 1 
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
 
REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 6.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 7. 
NEW OWNER TRANSITION  
 
 
THE DEPARTMENT MAY GRANT THE NEW OWNER OF A RESIDENCE 
ACCOMMODATION APPROVAL TO OPERATE A PERMIT PROVIDED THE 
FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET:   
  
A. THE NEW OWNER SHALL APPLY AND RECEIVE WRITTEN APPROVAL 
FROM THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO OPERATING 
B. THE TIME BETWEEN THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF 
THE REQUIRED PERMIT TO OPERATE MUST NOT EXCEED 30 DAYS.  
C. THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE A 
VALID ISSUED PERMIT AT TIME OF THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE.   
D. THE FACILITY IS NOT UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION. FACILITIES UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION ARE NOT APPROVED FOR A NEW OWNER TRANSITION AND 
MUST SUBMIT PLANS TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW. THE NEW 
OWNER MUST NOT COMPLETE ANY MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION 
TO 
THE 
PHYSICAL 
FACILITY 
WHICH 
HAS 
NOT 
BEEN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.   
E. THE NEW OWNER AGREES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE OPERATIONS IF 
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:   
  
1. AN IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD SUCH AS FIRE, FLOOD, 
ELECTRICAL OR WATER OUTAGE, SEWAGE BACKUP, MISUSE OF 
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS, ONSET OF AN APPARENT 
FOODBORNE 
ILLNESS 
OUTBREAK, 
GROSS 
INSANITARY 
OCCURRENCE OR CONDITION, OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE THAT 
MAY ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH.

10-2 
 
2. EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT AND/OR VERMIN ACTIVITY.   
3. MISSING OR INOPERABLE PLUMBING FIXTURES ESSENTIAL TO 
FACILITY OPERATIONS.   
4. INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT AND COLD WATER.  
 
 
REGULATION 8. ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL CODES  
  
CONFORMANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OR SIMILAR 
REQUIREMENTS MUST BE ADHERED TO FOR THE DETERMINATION OF 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE COMPLIANCE WITH 
PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL CODES. THE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS 
ADOPTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AS 
AMENDED BY SECTION 301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY 
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL ADDITIONS & 
ADDENDA, SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR CODE COMPLIANCE. THIS 
MATERIAL IS ON FILE WITH THE MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING & 
DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT 
AND 
IS 
AVAILABLE 
AT 
 https://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes

13-1 
 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE 
CHAPTER XIII 
SCHOOLS 
SECTION 1 
 
 
 
REGULATION 1. to REGULATION 3.  No Change 
 
 
REGULATION 4.  NEW OWNER TRANSITION 
 
 
THE DEPARTMENT MAY GRANT THE NEW OWNER OF A SCHOOL APPROVAL TO 
OPERATE A PERMIT PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET:    
A. THE NEW OWNER SHALL APPLY AND RECEIVE WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM 
THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO OPERATING 
B. THE TIME BETWEEN THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF THE 
REQUIRED PERMIT TO OPERATE MUST NOT EXCEED 30 DAYS.  
C. THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE A VALID 
ISSUED PERMIT AT TIME OF THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE.   
D. THE FACILITY IS NOT UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION. FACILITIES UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION ARE NOT APPROVED FOR A NEW OWNER TRANSITION AND 
MUST SUBMIT PLANS TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW. THE NEW 
OWNER MUST NOT COMPLETE ANY MAJOR ALTERATION OR ADDITION 
TO THE PHYSICAL FACILITY WHICH HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE 
DEPARTMENT.   
E. THE NEW OWNER AGREES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE OPERATIONS IF 
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:   
1. AN IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD SUCH AS FIRE, FLOOD, ELECTRICAL 
OR WATER OUTAGE, SEWAGE BACKUP, MISUSE OF POISONOUS OR 
TOXIC MATERIALS, ONSET OF AN APPARENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS 
OUTBREAK, GROSS INSANITARY OCCURRENCE OR CONDITION, OR 
OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE THAT MAY ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH.

13-2 
 
2. EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT AND/OR VERMIN ACTIVITY.   
3. MISSING OR INOPERABLE PLUMBING FIXTURES ESSENTIAL TO 
FACILITY OPERATIONS.   
4. INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT AND COLD WATER.  
 
 
REGULATION 5. ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL CODES  
CONFORMANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OR SIMILAR 
REQUIREMENTS MUST BE ADHERED TO FOR THE DETERMINATION OF 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE COMPLIANCE WITH 
PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL CODES. THE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS 
ADOPTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AS 
AMENDED BY SECTION 301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY 
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL ADDITIONS & ADDENDA, 
SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR CODE COMPLIANCE. THIS MATERIAL IS ON FILE 
WITH THE MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 
AND IS AVAILABLE AT  https://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-
Codes

5/7/2021
1
Stakeholder Meeting
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
May 7, 2021
Proposed Revisions 
Maricopa County Environmental Health Code
CASE # ES-2021-002
MCEHC Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII
Maricopa County 
Environmental Services Department
Working with our community 
to ensure a safe and healthy environment
VISION STATEMENT:
As the recognized regional environmental leader, we will develop 
and foster innovative environmental health protection programs for 
the safety of our residents and their environment. 
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Environmental Services Department is to provide 
safe food, water, waste disposal and vector borne disease reduction 
controls to the people of Maricopa County so that they may enjoy 
living in a healthy and safe community. 
EROP
What is it?
Where do I find it?
How does it impact me?
EROP: What is it?
• Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program
• Adopted by BOS in January 2013
• County Policy: Outreach # A1518
• Comprehensive process allows SH input
– Adoption & amendment of all regulatory requirements
• Applicable to 6 Departments: ESD, AQ, P&D, Flood, 
Transportation, Procurement
• 2014 NACo Achievement Award
EROP: Where do I find it?
Accessible from the County main page http://www.maricopa.gov/
*
0
0
.
Submit a Comment
Submit a Complaint
ENHANCED REGULATORY OUTREACH PROGRAM (EROP) 
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors adopted a County-wide Enhanced Regulatory 
Outreach Program policy Opens a New Window. in an effort to promote consistency and 
transparency among regulatory departments during the rule-making process allowing for 
multiple opportunities for stakeholder input regarding the amendment and adoption of 
all regulatory requirements.
DEPARTMENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6

5/7/2021
2
Active Regulatory Process
Adopted Regulations
Substantive Policy 
Statements
Board Members
Archive
Environmental Services
Maricopa County Environmental Services is governed by the Maricopa 
County Board of Supervisors and has authority under Titles 11, 36, and 
49 or the Arizona Revised Statutes.
The Board of Health acts as the citizens’ board that reviews 
Environmental Services regulatory amendments.
Environmental Services is responsible for drafting and amending the 
Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. The provisions of this 
Code are applicable to the unincorporated and incorporated areas lying 
within the boundaries of Maricopa County and the incorporated cities and 
towns whose governing bodies specifically request the services of 
Maricopa County Environmental Services.
Department-Specific Rulemaking Process Flowcharts
Sign up to receive email updates
Active Regulatory 
Process
EROP Active Regulatory Process
1
Item
Number
Item
Description
Meeting
Date
Meeting
Location
Related
Documents
Public
Comments
ES-2021-001 2017 FDA Food 
Code
Incorporation
by Reference
5/7/2021 Go-To-Meeting Online
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/3
07585589
Current
Previous
Submit a 
Comment
ES-2021-002 MCEHC Chapters
I, VIII, X and XIII
5/7/2021 Go-To-Meeting Online
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/3
07585589
Current
Previous
Submit a 
Comment
• County Manager Briefs Board of Supervisors
• Stakeholder Workshop
• First Board of Health Meeting
• Additional Stakeholder Workshop(s) (Optional)
• Second Board of Health Meeting
• Public Hearing with Board of Supervisors
• Recently Adopted
Citizen Comments
https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Regulatory-Outreach-17/Citizen-CommentsComplaints-94
MCEHC Chapter 1 General Provisions
Regulation 4. Permits, Services and Other Requirements
d. Any person denied a permit based on Regulation 4.c.(2) of this Chapter
may exercise the following options:
(1) Request, in writing, that the Environmental Health Officer specify
conditions necessary to provide reasonable assurance that full compliance
with provisions of this Environmental Health Code will be achieved. The
Environmental Health Officer within five (5) working days of the request
shall specify said conditions; or
(2)Request in writing a hearing before the Environmental Health Officer as
specified in Chapter I, Regulation 6.
MCEHC Chapter 1 General Provisions
Regulation 5. Fees- Clarification on Permit Approval
No permit shall be issued, and no permit is valid, until the ALL ASSOCIATED
permit feeS is ARE received by the Department, AND AN INSPECTION HAS
BEEN CONDUCTED AND/OR THE APPROVAL TO OPERATE HAS BEEN
GRANTED,
except
that
the
operator
of
a
charitable
nonprofit
establishment (which operates to provide relief Predominantly for the
poor, distressed or under-privileged) may apply to the Board of Health for
a waiver of permit fee.
A waiver of fee may be granted only to the
operator of an establishment, which maintains a current 501(c)(3) tax
exempt designation from the Department of the Treasury, Internal
Revenue Service, who demonstrates to the Board of Health that payment
of said fee will cause financial hardship.
Board of Health granted fee
waivers expire pursuant to the required permit listing in section d. of this
regulation. Application for a permit fee waiver shall be made using forms
provided by the Department.
MCEHC Chapter 1 General Provisions
Regulation 6. Rejection of Application – Right to a Hearing
A person who has been denied a permit may within 15 days of notification
thereof request a hearing. before the Environmental Health Officer to show
cause for why a permit should be issued. THE HEARING SHALL BE HELD BY
THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER OR AN INDEPENDENT HEARING
OFFICER APPOINTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO SHOW CAUSE FOR WHY A
PERMIT SHOULDBE ISSUED.
7
8
9
10
11
12

5/7/2021
3
MCEHC Chapters  1, 7, 8, 10, 13
• References to the 2013 FDA Food Code were
updated to reflect the 2017 FDA Food Code.
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
Section 1 General Provisions
Regulation 1. Definitions
(51) “Pasteurization (Frozen Desserts)” means the process of heating every
particle of mix to at least 155°F. and holding at such temperature for at
least 30 minutes, or to at least 175ºF. and holding at such temperature
continuously for at least 25 seconds, in approved and properly
operated equipment; provided, that nothing contained in this
definition shall be construed to prevent the use of another process
which has been demonstrated to be equally efficient and is approved
by the Department
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
“Shared Facility” means any food establishment that shares food preparation, food storage
and/or warewashingfacilities with three (3) or more permitees under different ownership.
(a) The responsible party must obtain a commissary permit at the specified location
before subsequent permits will be issued by the Department.
(b) If the commissary permit is vacated, all food establishments using the commissary as a
base of operation will subsequently be vacated.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHARED FACILITIES
A.
THE
SHARED
FACILITY
OWNER
MUST
PROVIDE
EACH
PERMITTEE
WITH
A
DESIGNATED AND LABELED SPACE FOR THE STORAGE OF SUPPLIES AND DRY GOODS.
ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS STORED MUST ALSO HAVE A
DESIGNATED AND LABELED LOCATION IN THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. THE SHARED
FACILITY OWNER MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO ALL AREAS UPON REQUEST
BY THE DEPARTMENT.
Section 1 General Provisions
Regulation 1. Definitions
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
a.
No person shall operate a food establishment without a valid permit
to operate from the Department unless: 
(1) The person is operating the food establishment in 
compliance with Section 2, Regulation 7 of this Chapter; or, 
(2) The food establishment is exempt from permitting based on 
the provisions in A.R.S. § 36-136(H)(4) § 36.136(I)(4). 
b.
The permit to operate shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the
premises of the food establishment. 
Section 1 - General Provisions
Regulation 3 - Permit Required
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
f.
Plumbing
(1)  All plumbing shall be sound, tight, durable, and properly located, installed 
and maintained in good order and repair, and shall not constitute a source of 
contamination to food, equipment or utensils, or create an insanitary condition 
or nuisance. No plumbing fixture, pipe or device which provides, or which may 
provide a connection between a potable water supply and a drainage, soil, waste 
or other sewer pipeௗso as toௗmake possible the backflowௗof sewage or 
wastewater into the water supply system shall be installed or permitted to 
remain installed. All plumbing shall be installed inௗaccordance with this codeௗand 
in accordance withௗArizona Administrative Code, R4-48-102
Section 1 - General Provisions
Regulation 8 – General Sanitation
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
(4)
Conformance with the following requirements or similar requirements
shall be
adhered to for the determination of Maricopa County Environmental Health Code
compliance with plumbing and mechanical codes. The 2009 International Plumbing Code
and 2009 International Mechanical Code, as adopted by the Maricopa County Board Of
Supervisors on August 18, 2010 and as amended by Section 301 of Chapter 3 of the
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department’s Local Additions & Addenda dated
October 2010, shall be adhered to for code compliance. This material is on file with the
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department and is available at its web site at
http://www.maricopa.gov/planning/resurces/constructioncodes/default.asp
THE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS ADOPTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AND AS AMENDED BY SECTION 301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA
COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL ADDITIONS & ADDENDA,
SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR CODE COMPLIANCE. THIS MATERIAL IS ON FILE WITH THE
MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND IS AVAILABLE AT ITS
WEB SITE AT https://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes.
f.
Plumbing (continued)
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Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
REGULATION 5.
Gloves, Use Limitation
If used, single-use gloves shall be used for only one task, such as working with ready-to-eat
food or with raw animal food. Single-use gloves shall be used for no other purpose, and
shall be discarded when damaged or soiled or when interruptions occur in the operation.
a. Slash-resistant gloves that are used to protect the hands during operations requiring
cutting shall not be used in direct contact with food, unless that food is
subsequently cooked as specified under Part 3-4 of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
2013 Food Code, such as frozen food or a primal cut of meat.
b.
No Change.
c. Cloth gloves may not be used in direct contact with food unless the food is subsequently
cooked as specified under Part 3-4 of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2013 Food
Code, such as frozen food or a primal cut of meat.
d. Latex gloves may not be used in direct contact with food.
Section 2 Food Establishments
Chapter 8 Food, Food Products, Food 
handling Establishments 
REGULATION 6. Frozen Desserts
a.
Finished products - after pasteurization, frozen desserts or frozen dessert mix shall not contain in
excess of 20 coliform per gram and/or in excess of 50,000 plate count of bacteria per gram at any time.
b.
Method of determination - bacteria and other counts referred to herein shall be based on
recognized standard methods of analysis as prescribed in the latest edition of standard methods for the
Examination of Dairy Products of the American Public Health Association, Inc.
c.
The Department shall suspend the conversion of pasteurized mix into frozen dessert whenever the
bacteria counts and/or coliform determinations exceed the quality standards for frozen desserts in three out of
the last five samples taken on separate days.
A. A VARIANCE IS REQUIRED FOR A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT THAT PREPARES A FROZEN DAIRY
DESSERT
MIX/BASE
FOR
IMMEDIATE
CONSUMPTION
USING
AN
ALTERNATIVE
PASTEURIZATIONPROCESS.
B. NO WHOLESALE, OFFSITE SALES OR SALES FROM A SELF-SERVICE RETAIL CASE OF FROZEN
DAIRY DESSERTS ARE ALLOWED UNLESS A LICENSE IS OBTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
A.R.S. § 3-607.
Section 6 Food Related Facilities
Chapter 10 Residents Accommodations
REGULATION 7. NEW OWNER TRANSITION
THE DEPARTMENT MAY GRANT THE NEW OWNER OF A RESIDENCE ACCOMMODATION APPROVAL TO OPERATE WITHOUT A
PERMIT PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET:
A. THE NEW OWNER SHALL APPLY AND RECEIVE WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO OPERATING
B. THE TIME BETWEEN THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF THE REQUIRED PERMIT TO OPERATE MUST NOT EXCEED
30 DAYS.
C. THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE A VALID ISSUED PERMIT AT TIME OF THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE.
D. THE FACILITY IS NOT UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR ADDITION. FACILITIES UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR
ADDITION ARE NOT APPROVED FOR A NEW OWNER TRANSITION AND MUST SUBMIT PLANS TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR
REVIEW. THE NEW OWNER MUST NOT COMPLETE ANY MAJOR ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL FACILITY
WHICH HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
E. THE NEW OWNER AGREES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE OPERATIONS IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:
1. AN IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD SUCH AS FIRE, FLOOD, ELECTRICAL OR WATER OUTAGE, SEWAGE BACKUP, MISUSE
OF POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS, ONSET OF AN APPARENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAK, GROSS
INSANITARY OCCURRENCE OR CONDITION, OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE THAT MAY ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH.
2. EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT AND/OR VERMIN ACTIVITY.
3. MISSING OR INOPERABLE PLUMBING FIXTURES ESSENTIAL TO FACILITY OPERATIONS.
4. INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT AND COLD WATER.
Section 1 General Provisions
Chapter 10 Residents Accommodations
REGULATION 8. ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL CODES
CONFORMANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OR SIMILAR 
REQUIREMENTSௗMUSTௗBE ADHERED TO FOR THE DETERMINATION OF MARICOPA 
COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE COMPLIANCE WITH PLUMBING AND 
MECHANICAL CODES.ௗTHE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS ADOPTED BY THE 
MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AS AMENDED BY SECTION 
301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL ADDITIONS & ADDENDA, SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR 
CODE COMPLIANCE. THIS MATERIAL IS ON FILE WITH THE MARICOPA COUNTY 
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND IS AVAILABLE AT ITS WEB SITE 
AT ௗhttps://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes
Section 1 General Provisions
Chapter 13 Schools
REGULATION 4.  NEW OWNER TRANSITION 
THE DEPARTMENT MAY GRANT THE NEW OWNER OF A SCHOOL APPROVAL TO OPERATE WITHOUT A PERMIT PROVIDED THE 
FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET:  
A.  THE NEW OWNER SHALL APPLY AND RECEIVE WRITTEN APPROVAL FROM THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO OPERATING
B.  THE TIME BETWEEN THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE AND ISSUANCE OF THE REQUIRED PERMIT TO OPERATE MUST NOT EXCEED 
30 DAYS. 
C.  THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT MUST HAVE A VALID ISSUED PERMIT AT TIME OF THE OWNERSHIP CHANGE.  
D. THE FACILITY IS NOT UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR ADDITION. FACILITIES UNDERGOING A MAJOR ALTERATION OR 
ADDITION ARE NOT APPROVED FOR A NEW OWNER TRANSITION AND MUST SUBMIT PLANS TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR 
REVIEW. THE NEW OWNER MUST NOT COMPLETE ANY MAJOR ALTERATION OR ADDITION TO THE PHYSICAL FACILITY WHICH 
HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT.   
THE NEW OWNER AGREES TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE OPERATIONS IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:  
1. AN IMMINENT HEALTH HAZARD SUCH AS FIRE, FLOOD, ELECTRICAL OR WATER OUTAGE, SEWAGE BACKUP, MISUSE OF
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS, ONSET OF AN APPARENT FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAK, GROSS INSANITARY 
OCCURRENCE OR CONDITION, OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE THAT MAY ENDANGER PUBLIC HEALTH.  
2.  EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT AND/OR VERMIN ACTIVITY.
3.  MISSING OR INOPERABLE PLUMBING FIXTURES ESSENTIAL TO FACILITY OPERATIONS.
4.  INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOT AND COLD WATER.
Section 1 General Provisions
Chapter 13 Schools
REGULATION 5. ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL CODES
CONFORMANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS OR SIMILAR 
REQUIREMENTSௗMUSTௗBE ADHERED TO FOR THE DETERMINATION OF 
MARICOPA COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE COMPLIANCE WITH 
PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL CODES.ௗTHE CURRENT PLUMBING CODE, AS 
ADOPTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND AS 
AMENDED BY SECTION 301 OF CHAPTER 3 OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY 
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL ADDITIONS & ADDENDA, 
SHALL BE ADHERED TO FOR CODE COMPLIANCE. THIS MATERIAL IS ON FILE 
WITH THE MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND 
IS AVAILABLE AT ITS WEB SITE AT 
ௗhttps://www.maricopa.gov/2271/Ordinances-Regulations-and-Codes
Section 1 General Provisions
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5/7/2021
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Thank you for your participation!
We welcome your questions
and comments.
http://www.maricopa.gov/regulations/
Ken Conklin, M.P.A., R.S.
Bryan Hare, M.M., R.S.
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department
3800 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ  85224
25

Environmental Services Department 
 
 
 
Working with our community to ensure a safe and healthy environment 
Page 1 of 1 
 
Stakeholder Workshop 
ES-2021-002/MCEHC Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII 
Date: Friday, May 7, 2021 
 
 
 
Stakeholder Present:  Nela Romo - El Pollo Safety Quality Director, Darren VandeVoorde - Bashas, 
Food City and AJ’s Food Safety, Crissy Zarate - Bashas, Food City and AJ’s Food Safety, Kwasi Wilson 
- National Restaurant Association Program Compliance Program, Karen Ibarra - Office of 
Environmental Programs City of Phoenix,  Laura Eichenmuller - In and Out Burger  
 
Staff Present: Darcy Kober - Director, Blanca Caballero - Deputy Director, Bryan Hare - Division 
Manager, Ken Conklin - Division Manager, Robert Stratman - Managing Supervisor, Amanda Bond - 
Enforcement Supervisor, Joan Minichiello - Management Analyst, Clay Callaway - Environmental 
Specialist Senior, Gema Piatkowski - Environmental Health Specialist  
 
Presenters: Bryan Hare and Ken Conklin   
 
Minutes: The stakeholder workshop occurred using GoToMeeting software.  Bryan Hare proctored 
the meeting and presented the ES-2021-002/MCEHC Chapters I, VIII, X and XIII (EROP) 
Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program case.  Ken Conklin covered the EROP process and 
how stakeholders can stay informed on this and other upcoming cases.   
 
Bryan Hare presented slides that showed proposed language.  Slides included text regarding 
fees being paid, inspections conducted and approvals received prior to operation; removing 
hearings before the Environmental Health Officer (where not required by statute or another 
regulation) and adding a third party hearing officer; reference updates for plumbing codes 
and statutes; deleting a repealed mechanical code reference; updating frozen dessert 
pasteurization requirements; removing text pertaining to gloves that is duplicated in the 2017 
FDA Food Code, and allowing for the operation of a shared facility without the need for a 
second permit.  In addition, Bryan Hare presented slides on the update for frozen dessert 
manufacturing at retail food establishments, and an option for school and public 
accommodation new owner transitions.   
 
Questions: No questions or comments were received for this case.  Also, attendees did not 
state if they were in favor or opposed to this EROP case.  
 
 
Meeting adjourned.