Security Camera Permit Requirements in Maricopa County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Maricopa County, Arizona does not require a specific permit for security camera installation in unincorporated areas. However, commercial installations involving electrical work over $1,000 may require an electrical permit from the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license. Note: If your property is within city limits (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, etc.), check that city's specific requirements instead.

Understanding Jurisdiction

Maricopa County is the largest county in Arizona by population, containing the Phoenix metropolitan area. Permit requirements vary significantly based on whether your property is in:

• Unincorporated Maricopa County – Falls under County jurisdiction
• An incorporated city – Check city-specific requirements
• A "county island" – County jurisdiction surrounded by city

How to Verify Your Jurisdiction

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

• Use the Maricopa County Permit Viewer to check your address
• Contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement jurisdiction
• Unincorporated areas are served by MCSO, not city police departments

When Are Permits Required?

Permit requirements for security camera installations in unincorporated Maricopa County:

No Permit Required

• Standalone security camera systems (not connected to monitored alarms)
• DIY residential installations using existing electrical outlets
• Wireless camera systems without new wiring
• Battery-powered or solar-powered cameras
• Network video recorders using existing power

Permit May Be Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired commercial CCTV systems
• Projects exceeding $1,000 in labor and materials
• Installations part of larger construction projects

No Alarm Permit Required (County)

Unlike many incorporated cities within Maricopa County, unincorporated areas do not have a mandatory alarm permit program administered by the county. However, if your system is monitored, check with your monitoring company about any requirements.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Arizona requires contractors to hold proper licensing for security camera work.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses all construction-related work statewide. A license is required when:

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

Relevant License Classifications

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low voltage communication systems including security cameras
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

If your project requires a permit in unincorporated Maricopa County:

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Use the Maricopa County Permit Viewer to confirm your property is in county jurisdiction.

Step 2: Contact Planning and Development

Reach out to Maricopa County Planning and Development to confirm permit requirements for your specific project.

Step 3: Submit Application

If required, submit your permit application with:

• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical plans if new circuits are involved
• Contractor license information

Step 4: Inspection

Schedule inspection when work is complete (if permit was required).

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Planning and Development	maricopa.gov/5116/Permit	Permits and inspections
Residential Permits	maricopa.gov/5372	Residential permit info
Sheriff's Office	mcso.org	Law enforcement jurisdiction

Arizona Privacy Laws

Security camera installations in Maricopa County must comply with Arizona state privacy laws:

Permitted Recording

• Public areas of your property (driveways, entrances, yards)
• Public spaces where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy
• Commercial common areas with proper signage

Prohibited Recording

• Restrooms, bathrooms, locker rooms
• Bedrooms or changing areas
• Any location where individuals have reasonable expectation of privacy
• Neighboring properties without consent

Legal Penalties

Per Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3019, violating surveillance privacy laws is a serious offense with criminal penalties.

Audio Recording

Arizona is a one-party consent state for audio recording. However, recording audio in private areas without consent can result in criminal charges. Many installers disable audio on security cameras to avoid issues.

Comparison: County vs. City Requirements

Here's how Maricopa County compares to major cities within the county:

Jurisdiction	Alarm Permit Required?	Fee	Registration Deadline
Unincorporated Maricopa County	No	N/A	N/A
City of Phoenix	Yes (if monitored)	Varies	Within days of activation
City of Scottsdale	Yes (if monitored)	$10/year	7 working days
City of Mesa	Yes (if monitored)	Varies	Within days of activation
City of Chandler	Yes (if monitored)	$10/year	Per ordinance

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• No permit typically needed for basic camera installations
• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• HOA approval may be required in master-planned communities
• Privacy considerations – cameras cannot point into neighbors' private areas

Commercial Installations

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Electrical permit likely needed for hardwired systems
• Employee notification required – Arizona law requires informing employees
• Signage recommended – visible notices about surveillance
• No cameras in private areas – restrooms, locker rooms prohibited

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Based on real-world experience with security camera projects in Maricopa County:

• Verify jurisdiction first – County islands exist within city limits; confirm before starting
• Document your ROC license – Even without permit requirements, clients may verify credentials
• Plan for extreme heat – Maricopa County summers exceed 115°F; use cameras rated for high temperatures
• Consider monsoon season – Dust storms and heavy rain require weatherproof installations
• Check HOA rules – Many Maricopa County developments have strict appearance standards
• Respect privacy boundaries – Rural properties may seem isolated but privacy laws still apply
• Use licensed electricians if needed – For new circuits, proper licensing is mandatory

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera 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.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Phoenix, Arizona Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Scottsdale, Arizona Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Chandler, Arizona Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Mesa, Arizona Security Camera Permit Requirements

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