Access Control Permit Requirements in Maricopa County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona may require a permit depending on the scope of work. Projects involving electrical modifications, new circuits, or construction typically require a building permit from the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department. Low voltage access control work under $1,000 that doesn't affect building systems may be permit-exempt. All contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license for projects over $1,000.

Understanding Jurisdiction

Before applying for any permits, confirm your property's jurisdiction:

• Unincorporated Maricopa County – Falls under County Planning & Development
• Incorporated cities – Check city-specific requirements (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, etc.)
• County islands – Areas of county jurisdiction surrounded by city limits

The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department provides services for unincorporated areas including building permit review and inspection.

When Are Permits Required?

Permit Typically Required

• Access control as part of new construction or tenant improvement
• 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 involving penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Gate operators with electrical installation

Permit May Not Be Required

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

Verify With County

Contact Maricopa County Permit Services at (602) 506-3301 to confirm requirements for your specific project.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

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

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona ROC licenses all construction work statewide. A license is required when:

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

Relevant License Classifications

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low voltage communication systems including access control
R-67	Residential	Residential low voltage systems
CR-67	Dual	Both commercial and residential
C-11	Commercial Electrical	If line voltage work required

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Contact Maricopa County Planning and Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

If permit required, gather:

• Completed permit application
• Site plans showing access control locations
• Construction drawings
• Contractor license information
• Technical specifications

Step 3: Submit Through Permit Center

Use the Maricopa County Permit Center online system for all permit applications, reviews, inspections, and payments.

Step 4: Plan Review

Plans reviewed for code compliance. Complex projects may require fire district coordination.

Step 5: Permit Issuance

Permits are valid for 1 year from date of issuance. Project can remain active with continuous progress and inspections.

Step 6: Installation and Inspection

Complete work per approved plans and schedule inspection.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Building Permits	(602) 506-3301	Permit questions and submittals
Planning & Development	maricopa.gov/797	General inquiries
Permit Center	maricopa.gov/6003	Online applications

Fees and Timeline

Item	Details
Permit Fees	Based on project valuation, square footage, and inspection needs
Permit Validity	1 year from issuance
Extension	Can remain active with continuous progress

Code Requirements

Building Code Compliance

Access control systems must comply with:

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

Egress Door Requirements

• Free Egress: Occupants must 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 alarm
• Power Failure: Doors must fail safe per code requirements

Residential vs. Commercial

Residential

• Smart locks: Often no permit for battery-powered devices
• Gate operators: May require electrical permit for hardwired
• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• HOA approval may be required in master-planned communities

Commercial

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Permit typically required for new installations
• Fire district coordination if affecting egress doors
• ADA compliance for door operators

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first – Confirm property is in unincorporated county, not a city
• Use Permit Center online – Streamlines application and payment
• Coordinate with fire districts – If access control affects egress, fire authority review may apply
• Plan for extreme heat – Outdoor equipment needs temperature ratings for Arizona summers
• Document ROC license – Inspectors may verify contractor credentials
• Keep permits active – Schedule inspections regularly to maintain validity

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Maricopa County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Arizona and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

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Related Guides

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

Last updated: January 2026. Requirements may vary. Always verify with Maricopa County Planning and Development before beginning your project.