Access Control Permit Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Phoenix require an F-805 permit from the Planning and Development Department when installing strike card access or magnetic lock devices. The permit fee is $300 for over-the-counter submittals. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 or R-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems license.

When Are Permits Required?

The City of Phoenix requires construction plan review and permits for access control installations involving electronic locking mechanisms.

Permit Required

• Strike card access systems (card readers, fob systems)
• Magnetic lock (mag-lock) installations
• Electric strike installations
• Delayed egress systems
• Access control integrated with fire alarm systems
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits
• Commercial door hardware modifications for electronic access

Permit Typically NOT Required

• Standalone electronic keypad locks (battery-powered, no wiring)
• Smart locks replacing existing deadbolts with no new wiring
• Like-for-like card reader replacements
• Software updates to existing systems

Important: Even when permits are not required, if labor and materials exceed $1,000, Arizona law requires the installer to hold a valid contractor license.

Phoenix Permit Types for Access Control

Phoenix has streamlined the permitting process for access control and delayed egress systems:

F-805 Permit

The primary permit for access control installations. This replaced the previous SE permit type to reduce costs and inspection time. Key features:

• Single permit covers most access control installations
• Over-the-counter submittal available for straightforward projects
• Plan review required for intricate systems

Alarm Subscriber Permit

If your access control system includes alarm monitoring features (intrusion detection, duress alarms), you may also need an alarm subscriber permit from the Phoenix Police Department.

Arizona Contractor Licensing Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) requires specific licensing for access control work.

Required License Classifications

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low Voltage Communication Systems including access control, alarm systems, intercoms
R-67	Residential	Low Voltage Communication Systems for residential properties
CR-67	Dual	Combined commercial and residential low voltage scope

The C-67 license authorizes installation, service, and repair of alarm systems, telephone systems, sound systems, intercommunication systems, and low voltage signaling devices—which includes electronic access control.

Additional Licensing Considerations

Door Hardware: Physical door hardware installation (frames, closers, panic bars) may require a C-60 Finish Carpentry license. Many access control contractors subcontract door prep work to licensed door hardware specialists.

Electrical Work: If access control installation requires new electrical circuits (not low voltage), work must be performed by or subcontracted to a licensed electrical contractor.

License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in the low voltage trade
• Examinations: Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) plus C-67 trade exam (70% passing score)
• Bond: $15,000 for commercial (C-67), $9,000 for residential (R-67)
• Background check: Required for all applicants

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

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather the following for your permit application:

• Site plan showing door locations and reader placements
• Wiring diagrams and riser diagrams
• Equipment specifications (control panels, readers, locks)
• Door schedule identifying hardware at each opening
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
• Contractor license number (AZ ROC)

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit your application through the Phoenix PDD Online Portal or in person:

City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
200 W. Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 262-7811

Step 3: Plan Review

Simple systems may be approved over the counter. Complex installations require formal plan review to verify compliance with:

• International Building Code (IBC)
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• NFPA 72 (for fire alarm integration)

Step 4: Inspection

After installation, schedule inspection with approved plans on site. The inspector verifies the installation matches approved drawings and meets code requirements.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Fee	Timeline
F-805 Permit (over-the-counter)	$300	Same day to 1-2 business days
Plan Review (complex systems)	Additional fee	5-15 business days
Alarm Subscriber Permit	$17/year	Same day
Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule within 24-48 hours

Note: A Planning and Development fee increase is scheduled for January 20, 2026. Contact PDD for current pricing.

Code Requirements for Access Control

Phoenix access control installations must comply with several codes:

Egress Requirements (IBC Chapter 10)

• Access control cannot impede emergency egress
• Doors must unlock upon fire alarm activation
• Power failure must default to unlocked position (fail-safe) or provide manual override
• Delayed egress locks limited to 15 or 30 seconds per code

Fire Alarm Integration (NFPA 72)

• Mag-locks on fire-rated doors must release on alarm
• Integration with building fire alarm panel required
• Smoke detector release may be required at specific locations

ADA Compliance

• Card readers mounted at accessible heights (48" max)
• Automatic door operators where required
• Hardware operable without tight grasping or twisting

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Simple smart locks typically do not require permits
• Gate access systems may require electrical permit
• R-67 license required for installations over $1,000
• HOA approval may be needed for exterior modifications

Commercial Access Control

• F-805 permit required for electronic locking systems
• Plan review for multi-door systems
• Fire alarm integration typically mandatory
• Annual inspection may be required for life safety integration
• C-67 license required

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Coordinate with fire alarm contractor early — Integration requirements can impact door hardware selection and installation sequence
• Verify door prep before ordering hardware — Electric strikes and mag-locks have specific prep requirements that must match existing doors
• Document fail-safe vs. fail-secure — Clearly specify lock behavior on power loss; this is a common inspection item
• Keep approved plans on site — Inspectors require Phoenix-approved plans at time of inspection
• Budget for door hardware subcontractor — Unless you hold a C-60 license, door modifications must be subcontracted
• Test all integrations before inspection — Verify fire alarm release, request-to-exit sensors, and remote unlock functions

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona

Summary

Access control installations in Phoenix require an F-805 permit ($300) for strike card access and magnetic lock devices. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 license for commercial work or R-67 for residential. Installations must comply with IBC egress requirements and integrate properly with fire alarm systems where applicable.

For questions about specific permit requirements, contact Phoenix Planning and Development at (602) 262-7811.