Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Arizona

Does Arizona require permits and licensing for burglar alarm installation? Here's what contractors need to know about the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), alarm user permits, and compliance requirements in the Grand Canyon State.

State Licensing Requirements

Arizona regulates alarm contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Burglar alarm installation falls under low voltage communication systems licensing.

License Classifications

Classification	Scope	Alarm Work Allowed
C-67	Commercial Low Voltage	Commercial burglar alarms only
R-67	Residential Low Voltage	Residential burglar alarms only
CR-67	Commercial + Residential	All burglar alarm work

What the C-67/R-67 License Covers

• Burglar and intrusion alarm systems
• Holdup alarm systems
• Fire detection and signaling (non-life safety)
• Access control systems
• CCTV and video surveillance
• Intercom and PA systems
• Nurse call and patient monitoring

Exemptions

Limited exemptions exist for alarm work:

• Homeowner: Can install alarms in their own residence
• Minor work: Under $1,000 total (labor + materials) on single residence
• Employee: Installing only for employer's facilities

Note: The $1,000 exemption applies only to residential work. Commercial alarm installations always require licensing.

Alarm User Permits (Local)

Many Arizona cities require property owners to obtain alarm user permits. This is separate from contractor licensing:

Phoenix

• Permit required: Yes, for monitored alarm systems
• Fee: $32 (residential), $50 (commercial)
• Valid: 2 years
• False alarm fees: $0 for 1-2; $50 for 3rd; $100 for 4th; $250 for 5+
• Registration: Online through City of Phoenix Police

Tucson

• Permit required: Yes
• Fee: $24 (residential), $36 (commercial)
• Valid: Annual renewal required
• False alarms: $50-$500 escalating fines
• Registration: Tucson Police Department

Mesa

• Permit required: Yes
• Fee: $25
• False alarms: Fines after 3rd false alarm annually
• Registration: Mesa Police Department Alarm Unit

Scottsdale

• Permit required: Yes, mandatory registration
• Fee: $26 (annual)
• False alarms: Escalating fines, possible permit revocation
• Registration: Scottsdale Police Department

Chandler

• Permit required: Yes
• Fee: Free initial registration
• False alarms: $75-$300 escalating fines
• Registration: Chandler Police Department

False Alarm Reduction

Arizona cities take false alarms seriously. As an installer, educate customers to avoid fines:

Common False Alarm Causes

1. User error (incorrect codes, forgetting system is armed)
2. Motion sensors triggered by pets or HVAC
3. Loose doors/windows causing contact faults
4. Low batteries in sensors or panel
5. Environmental factors (dust, insects)

Installation Best Practices

• Use pet-immune motion sensors when pets are present
• Install sensors away from HVAC vents and direct sunlight
• Ensure all doors/windows are properly aligned
• Consider entry/exit delays appropriate for the user
• Provide thorough customer training
• Document training with signed acknowledgment

Major Cities in Arizona

Phoenix Metro

The Phoenix metropolitan area (including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale) has coordinated alarm ordinances. Most cities use similar permit structures. The Valley has significant commercial alarm demand due to rapid business growth. Phoenix Police operates a dedicated Alarm Administration Unit.

Tucson

Arizona's second-largest city has its own alarm ordinance administered by Tucson Police. The city has active false alarm reduction programs. Tucson's university area has specific requirements for student housing alarm systems.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff has different considerations due to its mountain climate. Cold weather affects battery life and sensor reliability. The city has alarm registration requirements through Flagstaff Police Department.

Yuma

Extreme heat is a factor in Yuma installations. Equipment should be rated for 120°F+ temperatures. Yuma Police Department manages alarm permits.

Commercial vs Residential

Residential Burglar Alarms

• R-67 or CR-67 ROC license required (unless under $1,000 exemption)
• Customer needs alarm user permit in most cities
• UL certification recommended for insurance discounts
• Monitoring optional but provides value to customer
• Training is critical for false alarm prevention

Commercial Burglar Alarms

• C-67 or CR-67 ROC license always required
• Commercial alarm permit required in most jurisdictions
• Insurance underwriters often specify system requirements
• UL certification may be mandatory for certain businesses
• Integration with access control and fire alarm common
• Detailed documentation expected

ROC License Application

Requirements

1. Qualifying Party: Must demonstrate competence
2. Experience: 4 years in the trade (or equivalent education)
3. Trade Exam: Pass the low voltage communication systems exam
4. Business Exam: Pass Arizona business management exam
5. Bond: $5,000-$15,000 based on license class
6. Insurance: Workers' comp required if employees; liability recommended

Fees

Item	Cost
Application Fee	$100
Initial License	$400-$600
Biennial Renewal	$350-$550
Examination Fee	$75-$125

Arizona-Specific Considerations

Extreme Heat

Arizona's desert climate affects alarm systems:

• Rate outdoor equipment for 120°F or higher
• Direct sun can exceed ambient temperature significantly
• Battery backup life is reduced in high heat
• Consider shade or enclosures for outdoor components

Monsoon Season

Summer monsoons bring challenges:

• Lightning is common—install surge protection
• Flooding can affect ground-level equipment
• Power outages are frequent during storms
• Use weatherproof equipment (IP65+) for outdoor components

Wildlife

Desert wildlife can cause false alarms:

• Lizards, birds, and rodents can trigger motion sensors
• Consider wildlife-resistant mounting and sensor types
• Javelina and other animals may approach outdoor sensors

Installation Requirements

Follow industry standards for Arizona installations:

• NFPA 731: Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems
• UL 681: Installation and Classification of Burglar Alarm Systems
• NEC Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 circuits
• Arizona ROC Rules: Workmanship standards and contracting practices

Related Permits You May Need

Burglar alarm work often overlaps with other systems:

• Fire Alarm Permits in Arizona
• Access Control Permits in Arizona
• Security Camera Permits in Arizona
• Intercom Permits in Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to install alarm systems in Arizona?

Yes. Arizona requires ROC licensing (C-67, R-67, or CR-67) for alarm installation work over $1,000 on residential properties, and ALL commercial alarm work regardless of value.

Does my customer need an alarm permit?

Most Arizona cities require alarm user permits. Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler all require registration. Inform your customers about this requirement and help them register.

How much are false alarm fines in Arizona?

Fines vary by city but typically start at $0-50 for the first few false alarms and escalate to $100-500 for repeat offenders. Excessive false alarms can result in permit revocation and no police response.

Can I monitor alarms without installing them?

Alarm monitoring alone (without installation) is not specifically regulated by ROC. However, monitoring companies must coordinate with local police departments and may have other business requirements.

Find Alarm Projects in Arizona

Looking for burglar alarm installation opportunities in Arizona? LVN Signal tracks construction permits and bids across Arizona, alerting you to projects the moment they're filed.

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Last updated: February 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and local building departments before beginning work.