Security Camera Permit Requirements in Scottsdale, Arizona

Quick Answer: Scottsdale, Arizona does not require a specific permit for security camera installation on residential or commercial property. However, if your camera system connects to a monitored alarm that dispatches police or fire, you must obtain an alarm user permit ($10/year) within 7 days of activation. Scottsdale also offers a voluntary CamerEyes registry for residents and businesses to assist police with crime prevention. Contractors performing installations over $1,000 must hold an Arizona ROC license.

When Are Permits Required?

Understanding what requires a permit in Scottsdale helps you plan your security camera project properly:

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 (NVRs) and DVR systems
• Video doorbells and smart home cameras

Alarm User Permit Required

• Security camera systems integrated with monitored burglar alarms
• Any system that triggers automatic police or fire dispatch
• Video-verified alarm systems with central station monitoring

Per Scottsdale City Ordinance, an alarm user permit is required for each premises where one or more alarm systems are placed into operation.

Electrical Permit May Be Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired commercial CCTV systems
• Projects exceeding $1,000 in labor and materials

Contractor Licensing Requirements

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

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors licenses all construction-related work in the state. 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 electrical work required

C-67 Low Voltage License Scope

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

• Alarm systems (including video surveillance)
• Television and video systems
• Low voltage signaling devices
• Systems not exceeding 91 volts

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

Scottsdale Alarm User Permit

If your security camera system connects to a monitored alarm, you must register with the City of Scottsdale.

Permit Requirements

The Scottsdale City Council adopted an ordinance in 1994 requiring homes and businesses with alarm systems to obtain an annual permit.

• Application deadline: Within 7 working days after the alarm system is placed into operation
• Permit fee: $10.00 (payable online by credit card)
• Permit duration: One year from the date the system was placed into operation
• Renewal: Required annually

Application Process

1. Download and complete the Alarm User Permit Application
2. Submit the $10.00 fee online or by mail
3. Designate at least two responsible representatives with access to premises and reset codes
4. Ensure your alarm company has your current contact information

Alarm User Responsibilities

Per Scottsdale alarm regulations, alarm users must:

• Maintain the alarm system in good working order
• Have the system inspected at least once per year
• Choose at least two reliable responsible representatives with access and reset codes
• Respond or arrange for response within 30 minutes of police request
• Ensure audible alarms (except fire) deactivate within 10 minutes
• Take all reasonable steps to prevent false alarms

False Alarm Consequences

The Scottsdale Police respond to thousands of false alarms every year. False alarms result in:

• Service charges assessed against alarm users for false alarms
• User error is one of the most common causes of false alarms
• Waiver option: Attend an online Alarm User Awareness Class to obtain a waiver certificate

To schedule the awareness class, call (480) 312-7400.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Business Services	(480) 312-7400	Alarm permits and questions
Scottsdale Police	(480) 312-5000	Report valid alarms/crimes
Appeal Requests	Written request to Business Services	Within 30 days of charge

CamerEyes Voluntary Registration

Scottsdale offers a unique voluntary program for security camera owners.

About the Program

The CamerEyes program is a partnership between the Scottsdale Police Department and Neighborhood Watch to assist with crime prevention and solving.

Key Features

• Completely voluntary – Registration can be withdrawn at any time
• No cost – Available free to all Scottsdale residents and businesses
• No direct access – Police do not have access to your cameras
• No obligation – You are not required to provide video if asked
• Contact-only database – Only basic contact information is stored; no system login credentials collected

How It Works

If a crime occurs in your area, police may contact registered camera owners to request relevant footage. Participation in providing footage is entirely voluntary.

Benefits

• Help solve crimes in your neighborhood
• Contribute to community safety
• No privacy concerns – you control what footage you share
• Build relationship with local police

Arizona Privacy Laws

Security camera installations must comply with Arizona 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
• Streets, parking lots, and parks in plain view

Prohibited Recording

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

Audio Recording

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

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Alarm User Permit	$10.00/year	Required for monitored systems
CamerEyes Registration	Free	Voluntary program
Electrical Permit (if required)	Varies by scope	For new circuits
False Alarm Service Charge	Varies	Can be waived with training

Timeline

• Alarm Permit Application: Within 7 working days of system activation
• Permit Processing: Immediate with online payment
• Appeal Window: 30 days from date of charge
• CamerEyes Registration: Immediate (online)

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• No permit needed for basic camera installations
• Alarm permit required only if connected to monitoring service
• HOA approval may be required – check CC&Rs before installation
• Privacy considerations – cameras cannot point into neighbors' private areas
• CamerEyes registration encouraged but voluntary

Commercial Installations

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Alarm permit required if system dispatches police/fire
• Employee notification – Arizona law requires informing employees of surveillance
• Signage recommended – post visible notices about camera surveillance
• No cameras in private areas – restrooms, locker rooms, break rooms prohibited
• CamerEyes registration benefits business security

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Based on real-world experience installing security cameras in Scottsdale:

• Register alarm permits promptly – The 7-day window starts when the system goes live; late registration can cause issues
• Consider CamerEyes – It's free, voluntary, and builds goodwill with local police
• Document your ROC license – Scottsdale is an affluent area where customers often verify contractor credentials
• Check HOA rules carefully – Many Scottsdale communities have strict exterior modification rules
• Plan for desert conditions – Use weatherproof cameras rated for extreme heat; Scottsdale summers regularly exceed 110°F
• Respect neighbor privacy – Scottsdale residents value their privacy; ensure cameras don't capture neighboring properties
• Take the awareness class – If you trigger a false alarm, the waiver certificate saves money

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in Scottsdale before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Arizona and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

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Related Guides

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

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