Access Control Permit Requirements in Scottsdale, Arizona

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Scottsdale, Arizona may require a permit depending on the scope of work. Scottsdale has specific plan submittal requirements for Access Control Systems as part of their fire and life safety review process. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license (C-67 or CR-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems) for projects over $1,000. If the system integrates with a monitored alarm, an alarm user permit ($10/year) is also required.

When Are Permits Required?

Access control permit requirements in Scottsdale depend on the scope and complexity of your installation:

Permit Typically Required

• New access control system installations with electrical wiring
• 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
• Tenant improvements affecting building security or egress
• Systems affecting means of egress doors

Permit May Not Be Required

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

Alarm User Permit Required

If your access control system connects to a monitored alarm or triggers automatic dispatch, you must register with Scottsdale Business Services.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

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

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses all contracting work. 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 electrical work required

C-67 Low Voltage License Scope

The C-67/CR-67 classification allows installation, service, and repair of:

• Alarm systems (including access control)
• Intercom and telephone systems
• Low voltage signaling devices
• Systems not exceeding 91 volts

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Contact Scottsdale Permit Services to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit. Factors include:

• Scope of electrical work
• Integration with fire alarm or life safety systems
• Modifications to means of egress
• Commercial vs. residential application

Step 2: Review Plan Submittal Requirements

Scottsdale has specific plan submittal requirements for Access Control Systems. Download the Access Control System checklist from the city website to ensure your submittal is complete.

Step 3: Submit Plans

Starting January 2026, use the new Scottsdale SPUR portal for all permit applications. Plan requirements include:

• PDF format (under 100 MB file size)
• Combined into single PDF file in index order
• System design and layout drawings
• Equipment specifications
• Wiring diagrams
• Door hardware schedules

Step 4: Plan Review

Plans are reviewed for code compliance. Access control systems affecting egress may require Fire & Life Safety review coordination.

Step 5: Permit Issuance and Installation

Once approved, obtain your permit. Keep it posted at the job site. Note: Permit applications are considered abandoned if no action is taken for 180 days.

Step 6: Inspection

Schedule inspections when installation is complete. Inspectors verify:

• Installation matches approved plans
• Proper wiring methods and materials
• Door hardware functions correctly
• Emergency egress requirements are met
• Fire door integrity is maintained

Step 7: Register Alarm (If Applicable)

If your system includes monitoring, register with Business Services within 10 days of activation.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Permit Services	(480) 312-2500	Permit applications and questions
Planning & Development	(480) 312-7000	General inquiries
Fire & Life Safety	(480) 312-1855	Fire door and egress questions
Business Services (Alarms)	(480) 312-7400	Alarm user permits
Office Address	7447 E. Indian School Rd, Suite 105, Scottsdale 85251	In-person visits
Online Portal	Scottsdale SPUR	Permit applications

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Low Voltage Permit	Varies by valuation	Based on project scope
Electrical Permit	Varies by valuation	If line voltage work required
Alarm User Permit	$10.00/year	If system is monitored
Plan Review	Included	With permit fee

Timeline Expectations

• Simple Projects: May qualify for minimum permit process
• Plan Review Required: Varies by complexity
• Permit Validity: 180 days without action before abandonment
• Extension: One-time 180-day extension available with written request
• Alarm Registration: Within 10 days of activation

Code Requirements

Building Code Compliance

Access control systems in Scottsdale must comply with:

• International Building Code (IBC) – Means of egress requirements
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) – As adopted by Scottsdale
• NFPA 70 (NEC) – Wiring methods and materials
• ADA Requirements – Accessible door hardware
• Scottsdale local amendments

Egress Door Requirements

Access control on egress doors must meet life safety requirements:

• Free Egress: Occupants must be able to 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 fire alarm
• Power Failure: Doors must fail safe or per approved design

Delayed Egress Doors

Special requirements apply for delayed egress systems:

• Maximum 15-second delay (30 seconds in some healthcare)
• Audible alarm during delay period
• Immediate release on fire alarm or sprinkler activation
• Required signage at door
• Fire & Life Safety approval required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks: Often no permit required for battery-powered devices
• Video doorbells: Typically permit-exempt if using existing wiring
• Gate operators: May require electrical permit for hardwired installations
• HOA approval: May be required in Scottsdale communities
• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000

Commercial Access Control

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Permit typically required for new installations
• Plan review for systems affecting egress
• Fire door coordination – Mag locks on fire doors require approval
• ADA compliance – Door operators must meet accessibility standards
• Fire alarm integration often mandatory

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Based on real-world experience with access control projects in Scottsdale:

• Download the Access Control checklist – Scottsdale has specific submittal requirements; use the official checklist to avoid delays
• Use the SPUR portal – Starting January 2026, all permits go through the new online system
• Coordinate with Fire & Life Safety early – Access control on egress doors requires their review
• Verify fire door ratings – Adding hardware to fire-rated doors can void the listing if not done correctly
• Plan for power failure – Ensure fail-safe vs. fail-secure is appropriate and code-compliant
• Don't let permits expire – 180-day abandonment rule applies; request extension if needed
• Keep ROC license current – Scottsdale verifies contractor licensing
• Register alarm permits promptly – 10-day deadline applies for monitored systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

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

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the City of Scottsdale before beginning your project.