Access Control Permit Requirements in Chandler, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Chandler, Arizona typically require a low voltage or electrical permit when the project involves new wiring, electrical modifications, or exceeds $1,000 in labor and materials. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license (C-67 or CR-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems). If the access control system integrates with a monitored alarm, an alarm user permit ($10/year) is also required through the City of Chandler False Alarm Reduction Program.

When Are Permits Required?

Access control permit requirements in Chandler depend on the scope and complexity of your installation:

Permit Typically Required

• New access control system installations with electrical wiring
• Electric strike or magnetic lock installations requiring new circuits
• Systems integrated with fire alarm or life safety systems
• Projects exceeding $1,000 in labor and materials
• Work requiring penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Commercial tenant improvements affecting egress or security

Permit May Not Be Required

• Standalone battery-powered smart locks
• Wireless access control systems using existing power
• Simple keypad replacements on existing wiring
• Minor repairs or maintenance to existing systems

Alarm Permit Required

If your access control system connects to a monitored alarm or triggers automatic dispatch, you must register with the City of Chandler False Alarm Reduction Program per Chapter 24 of the Chandler City Code.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Arizona requires contractors to hold proper licensing for access control installation work.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses all contracting work in the state. Per Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 10, a license is required when:

• Labor and materials exceed $1,000, OR
• A building permit is required (regardless of project value)

Relevant License Classifications

For access control work, the following ROC license classifications apply:

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low voltage communication systems for commercial projects
R-67	Residential	Low voltage communication systems for residential projects
CR-67	Dual	Both commercial and residential low voltage work
C-11	Commercial Electrical	If line voltage electrical work is required
CR-11	Dual Electrical	Both commercial and residential electrical work

C-67 Low Voltage License Scope

The C-67/CR-67 classification allows the licensee to install, service, and repair:

• Alarm systems (including access control)
• Telephone and intercom systems
• Sound and public addressing systems
• Television and video systems
• Low voltage signaling devices
• Systems not exceeding 91 volts

License Requirements

To obtain an Arizona low voltage license:

• Trade Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions on electrical principles, low voltage systems, and National Electrical Code
• Business Management Exam: Business law, lien law, tax law, and Arizona regulations
• Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE): Online exam through ROC
• Contractor Bond: $9,000 (residential), $15,000 (commercial or dual)
• Background Check: Required for all applicants

For complete Arizona licensing information, see our Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Contact the City of Chandler Development Services to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit. Factors include:

• Scope of electrical work
• Integration with fire alarm or life safety systems
• Modifications to means of egress
• Commercial vs. residential application

Step 2: Submit Permit Application

If a permit is required, submit your application through the Chandler Development Services online portal. Include:

• System design and layout drawings
• Equipment specifications
• Wiring diagrams
• Door hardware schedules
• Integration details (fire alarm, building automation)

Step 3: Plan Review

Building Safety reviews plans for code compliance. Complex projects may require coordination with Fire Prevention if the access control system affects:

• Emergency egress paths
• Fire-rated door assemblies
• Fire alarm integration
• Delayed egress or access-controlled egress doors

Step 4: Permit Issuance and Installation

Once approved, obtain your permit and begin installation. Keep the permit posted at the job site.

Step 5: Inspection

Schedule inspections through the online scheduling tool. Inspectors verify:

• Installation matches approved plans
• Proper wiring methods and materials
• Door hardware functions correctly
• Emergency egress requirements are met
• Fire door integrity is maintained

Step 6: Register Alarm (If Applicable)

If your system includes monitoring, register with the False Alarm Reduction Program.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Development Services	(480) 782-3000	Permits, plan review, inspections
Building Safety	(480) 782-3000	Code questions, inspection scheduling
Fire Prevention	(480) 782-2120	Fire door and egress questions
Online Portal	developmentpermits.chandleraz.gov	Permit applications and scheduling
In-Person	215 E. Buffalo St., Chandler, AZ 85225	Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Low Voltage Permit	Varies by valuation	Based on project scope
Electrical Permit	Varies by valuation	If line voltage work required
Alarm User Permit	$10.00/year	If system is monitored
Senior Waiver (65+)	$0.00	For alarm permit only
Plan Review	Included	With permit fee

Timeline Expectations

• Simple Projects: Over-the-counter permit same day
• Plan Review Required: 5-10 business days
• Inspection Scheduling: Typically within 48 hours
• Alarm Registration: Immediate (online)

Code Requirements

Building Code Compliance

Access control systems in Chandler must comply with:

• International Building Code (IBC) – Means of egress requirements
• International Fire Code (IFC) – 2021 edition currently adopted
• NFPA 70 (NEC) – Wiring methods and materials
• ADA Requirements – Accessible door hardware

Egress Door Requirements

Access control on egress doors must meet specific life safety requirements:

• Free Egress: Occupants must be able to exit without special knowledge or tools
• Single Motion: Exit hardware must release with single motion
• Fire Alarm Release: Locked egress doors typically must release on fire alarm activation
• Power Failure: Doors must fail in the safe (unlocked) direction or per approved design

Delayed Egress Doors

Special requirements apply for delayed egress systems (common in retail and healthcare):

• Maximum 15-second delay (30 seconds in some healthcare)
• Audible alarm during delay period
• Immediate release on fire alarm or sprinkler activation
• Signage requirements at door
• Fire department approval may be required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks: Often no permit required for battery-powered devices
• Video doorbells: Typically permit-exempt if using existing wiring
• Gate operators: May require electrical permit for hardwired installations
• Multi-family: Commercial requirements may apply to common areas
• HOA approval: May be required before installation in Chandler communities

Commercial Access Control

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Permit typically required for new installations
• Plan review for systems affecting egress
• Fire door coordination – Magnetic locks on fire doors require specific approval
• ADA compliance – Door operators and hardware must meet accessibility standards
• Integration requirements – Fire alarm interface often mandatory

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Based on real-world experience with access control projects in the Phoenix metro area:

• Verify fire door ratings – Adding access control hardware to fire-rated doors can void the listing if not done correctly; use listed hardware and follow installation instructions
• Coordinate early with fire marshal – Delayed egress and access-controlled egress require approval before installation
• Document everything – Keep records of door schedules, hardware specifications, and as-built wiring diagrams
• Plan for power failure – Ensure fail-safe vs. fail-secure is appropriate for each door and meets code
• Consider future expansion – Install conduit and pull boxes for potential system growth
• Test emergency release – Verify fire alarm integration functions before requesting final inspection
• Keep your ROC license current – Chandler inspectors verify contractor licensing; expired licenses will stop your project

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Phoenix, Arizona Access Control Permit Requirements
• Mesa, Arizona Access Control Permit Requirements
• Tucson, Arizona Access Control Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the City of Chandler Development Services before beginning your project.