Access Control Permit Requirements in Pima County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Pima County typically do not require a dedicated permit for low voltage work. However, contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 or CR-67 license, and systems connected to alarm monitoring may require registration with local police departments such as Tucson PD.

When Are Permits Required?

Access control installations fall into several categories:

Generally No Permit Required

• Standalone electronic door locks
• Card reader installations on existing doors
• Keypad entry systems
• Low voltage wiring for access control
• Network-connected systems using existing infrastructure

Permits May Be Required

• New electrical circuits - Electrical permit if installing dedicated power circuits
• Door modifications - Building permit if cutting doors or frames for hardware
• Structural changes - Permit for installing gates, turnstiles, or barriers
• Fire alarm integration - Fire permit when tying into building fire systems
• ADA compliance work - May require plan review for accessibility

Alarm Registration Required

In the City of Tucson, if your access control system includes alarm monitoring (intrusion detection, duress alarms), registration is required:

• Registration fee: $20
• Deadline: Within 10 days of installation
• Contact: Tucson Police Department Alarm Unit
• Address: TPD Alarm Unit, 1310 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ 85705

Arizona Contractor Licensing Requirements

Access control installation requires proper Arizona ROC licensing:

Applicable License Classifications

Classification	Type	Bond Requirement	Scope
C-67	Commercial	$15,000	Commercial projects only
R-67	Residential	$9,000	Residential projects only
CR-67	Dual	$15,000	Both commercial and residential

C-67/CR-67 Authorized Work

The Low Voltage Communication Systems classification authorizes:

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

License Requirements

• Experience: 2 years verifiable experience for R-67
• Exams: Low Voltage Exam plus AZ Statutes and Rules Training (SRE)
• Bond: $9,000 to $15,000 depending on classification
• Cash deposit alternative: 150% of bond amount

When Licensing is Mandatory

An ROC license is required when:

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

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

Pima County Permitting Process

When Permits Are Needed

Contact Pima County Development Services to verify permit requirements:

• Phone: (520) 724-9000
• Online Portal: pima.gov/Permits
• Address: 201 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701
• Hours: 8 AM - 4 PM Monday through Friday

Online Permit Application

Pima County uses the Permit Gateway online portal for:

• Permit applications
• Plan submittal (electronic required)
• Fee payment
• Inspection scheduling
• Status tracking

Required Documentation

If a permit is required, prepare:

• Site plan showing equipment locations
• Electrical load calculations (if new circuits)
• Equipment specifications
• Door schedule and hardware details
• Proof of contractor licensing (ROC number)

Code Compliance

Current Codes

Effective January 1, 2026, Pima County enforces:

• 2024 International Building Code
• 2023 National Electrical Code
• 2024 International Fire Code

ADA Requirements

Access control systems must comply with ADA accessibility standards:

• Card readers and keypads at accessible heights (48" maximum)
• Adequate door clearance and opening force
• Automatic door operators where required
• Visual and audible feedback for disabled users

Fire Code Considerations

Access control systems affecting egress must:

• Allow free egress at all times
• Release automatically on fire alarm activation
• Include fail-safe or fail-secure configuration as required
• Not impede emergency responder access

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Tucson Alarm Registration	$20	Annual, if alarm functions included
Electrical Permit (if needed)	$50-$150	For new circuit work
Building Permit (if needed)	$100-$300+	For structural modifications
Processing Time	1-5 business days	Simple permits often same-day

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Access Control

• R-67 or CR-67 license acceptable
• Rarely requires permits for basic installations
• Smart locks and video doorbells typically exempt
• HOA approval may be required in planned communities
• Registration required in Tucson if monitored

Commercial Access Control

• C-67 or CR-67 license required
• May require plan review for larger systems
• ADA compliance documentation important
• Fire integration requires coordination with fire marshal
• Often included in tenant improvement permits

System Types and Considerations

Standalone Systems

• Electronic locks with keypads or card readers
• Battery-powered or low-voltage wiring
• Generally no permit required
• Quick installation timeline

Networked Systems

• Central controller with multiple doors
• IP-based or traditional wiring
• May require network infrastructure work
• Consider future expansion in design

Integrated Systems

• Combined access control, video, and intrusion
• Alarm registration likely required
• May need coordination with multiple authorities
• Higher complexity but better security

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first - City of Tucson vs. unincorporated Pima County have different requirements
• Check existing infrastructure - Existing low voltage pathways can reduce installation cost and complexity
• Plan for Arizona conditions - Outdoor equipment must handle extreme heat and monsoon moisture
• Document everything - System documentation, programming, and credentials should be provided to the client
• Coordinate with IT - Network-connected systems require proper network configuration
• Consider backup power - UPS or battery backup for critical access points
• Test thoroughly - Verify all programming and integration before project completion

Common Project Scenarios

Scenario 1: Small Office

Installing card readers on 2-4 doors with standalone controller. Typically no permits required, 1-2 day installation.

Scenario 2: Retail Storefront

Adding keypad entry and employee tracking. May need alarm registration if monitored. R-67 or CR-67 license required.

Scenario 3: Multi-Tenant Building

Comprehensive access system with elevator integration. Requires C-67 license, may need building permit review for elevator interface.

Scenario 4: Healthcare Facility

Access control with wander management and nurse call integration. Requires plan review, fire marshal approval, and coordination with healthcare regulations.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Pima County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Pima County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Browse All Permit Guides

Summary

Access control installations in Pima County are relatively straightforward from a permitting standpoint:

• Most low voltage access control work does not require permits
• ROC C-67 or CR-67 license required for all paid installations
• Alarm registration required in Tucson for monitored systems ($20)
• Permits needed for electrical circuit work or structural modifications
• Always verify specific requirements with Pima County at (520) 724-9000

When in doubt, contact Pima County Development Services or the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services to confirm requirements for your specific project.