Before a food truck can receive a city permit in Maricopa, it must first pass Pinal County’s health inspection and permitting process.

In Maricopa, 14 food trucks were licensed in 2022 and eight in 2023 — but none since. County permits, on the other hand, have surged: from two Maricopa businesses in 2020 to 18 last year and eight so far in 2025.

The trend is clear: As county-issued permits climb, city-issued permits have dropped to zero. While food truck activity is growing across Pinal County, fewer operators are pursuing the additional city approval.

A city permit is required for food trucks to participate in city-organized festivals on public property, such as Maricopa’s signature Wild West Music Fest. Meanwhile, trucks permitted with a Pinal County permit can operate at events, priv

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