Access Control Permit Requirements in Pinal County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Pinal County typically do not require a dedicated low voltage permit. However, contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 or CR-67 license for projects over $1,000. If the system includes alarm monitoring with dispatch, a $18 annual alarm permit from the Pinal County Sheriff's Department is required.

When Are Permits Required?

Access control installations in Pinal County have these requirements:

Generally No Permit Required

• Electronic door locks and card readers
• Keypad entry systems
• Biometric access devices
• Network-connected access control systems
• Low voltage wiring for access control

Permits May Be Required

• Electrical permit - For new dedicated power circuits
• Building permit - For door modifications or structural changes
• Fire alarm integration - When tying into fire life safety systems
• Alarm permit - For systems with monitored intrusion/duress dispatch

Alarm Permit Required

If your access control system includes alarm monitoring features that dispatch police or fire:

• Fee: $18 annually
• Jurisdiction: Unincorporated Pinal County only
• Contact: Pinal County Sheriff's Department Alarm Unit

Arizona Contractor Licensing Requirements

Access control installation requires proper Arizona ROC licensing:

License Classifications

Classification	Type	Experience	Bond
C-67	Commercial	4 years (8,000 hours)	$15,000
R-67	Residential	4 years	$9,000
CR-67	Dual	4 years	$15,000

C-67/CR-67 Authorized Work

The Low Voltage Communication Systems classification covers:

• Access control systems (card readers, electronic locks)
• Alarm and intrusion detection systems
• Telephone and intercom systems
• Sound and paging systems
• CCTV and video surveillance
• Low voltage signaling devices

Exam Requirements

• Business Management Exam: Required for all classifications
• Technical Exam: Covers electronic knowledge, digital communications, alarms, conductors, grounding
• Scheduling: psiexams.com or call 855-744-0310
• Training: AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course (SRE) required

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.

Pinal County Permitting Process

Contact Information

• Phone: (520) 509-3555 or toll-free (888) 431-1311
• Email: BuildingSafety@pinal.gov
• Address: 31 N Pinal Street, Florence, AZ 85132
• Online Portal: citizenaccess.pinalcountyaz.gov
• Inspection Line: (520) 866-6299

When to Contact Building Safety

Verify with Pinal County before starting work if:

• Installing new electrical circuits for access control equipment
• Modifying doors or frames for hardware installation
• Integrating with fire alarm systems
• Work is part of a larger tenant improvement project

Alarm Permit Details

For access control systems with alarm monitoring:

Pinal County (Unincorporated Areas)

Requirement	Details
Initial Fee	$18
Annual Renewal	$18
Free False Alarms	3 per permit year
False Alarm Penalty	$83 after allowance

Alarm Permit Contact

• Mail: Pinal County Sheriff's Department, ATTN: Alarm Unit, P.O. Box 867, Florence, AZ 85132
• Phone: (520) 866-5173
• Website: pinal.gov/Alarm-Permits

Incorporated Cities

Cities within Pinal County have their own alarm ordinances:

• Casa Grande: $15 residential, $25 commercial
• Eloy: Contact city directly
• Maricopa: Contact city directly
• Coolidge: Contact city directly
• Florence: Contact city directly

Code Compliance

Applicable Codes

• International Building Code (IBC) - Door hardware and egress requirements
• National Electrical Code (NEC) - Low voltage wiring standards
• International Fire Code (IFC) - Egress and fire safety integration
• NFPA 72 - Fire alarm integration requirements

ADA Compliance

Access control systems must meet 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 accessibility

Fire Code Requirements

Access control affecting egress must:

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

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Access Control Permit	None	No dedicated LV permit
Alarm Permit	$18/year	If monitored with dispatch
Electrical Permit (if needed)	$50-$150	For new circuit work
Processing Time	1-5 business days	Simple permits often same-day

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• R-67 or CR-67 license acceptable
• Smart locks and video doorbells typically exempt from permits
• Alarm permit required if monitored with police dispatch
• HOA approval may be required in planned communities

Commercial Projects

• C-67 or CR-67 license required
• ADA compliance documentation important
• Fire integration requires coordination with fire marshal
• Often included in tenant improvement permits
• Network infrastructure coordination with IT

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 RS-485 wiring
• May require network infrastructure work
• Consider future expansion capacity

Integrated Systems

• Combined access control, video, and intrusion
• Alarm registration likely required
• May need coordination with multiple authorities
• Fire alarm integration requires careful planning

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction - County vs. incorporated city determines alarm permit requirements
• Check door hardware - Verify door and frame compatibility before ordering hardware
• Plan for power - Access control equipment needs reliable power with battery backup
• Coordinate with IT - Network-connected systems require proper configuration
• Document credentials - Provide complete programming documentation to client
• Test thoroughly - Verify all programming and integration before project completion
• Arizona heat - Outdoor equipment must handle extreme temperatures

Common Project Scenarios

Scenario 1: Small Office

2-4 door card access system with standalone controller. No permit typically required, CR-67 license needed. 1-day installation.

Scenario 2: Retail Store

Employee entrance with keypad and time tracking. May need alarm registration if includes duress button. C-67 license required.

Scenario 3: Multi-Tenant Building

Comprehensive access system with elevator integration. May need building permit review for elevator interface. Coordinate with property management.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

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

Summary

Access control installations in Pinal County have minimal permitting requirements:

• No dedicated low voltage permit for access control
• ROC C-67 or CR-67 license required for projects over $1,000
• Alarm permit ($18/year) if system includes monitored dispatch
• Electrical permits only for new power circuits
• Verify jurisdiction (county vs. city) for alarm requirements

Contact Pinal County Building Safety at (520) 509-3555 for permit questions, or the Sheriff's Alarm Unit at (520) 866-5173 for alarm registration.