Access Control Permit Requirements in Tucson, Arizona

Quick Answer: Most access control system installations in Tucson do not require permits when the work is limited to low-voltage systems operating under 25 volts. According to City of Tucson guidelines, low-voltage wiring and devices—including card readers and electronic locks—are exempt from permit requirements when operating at less than 25 volts and using 50 volt-amps of power or less. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 license for work over $1,000.

When Are Permits Required in Tucson?

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services provides permit exemptions for low-voltage work.

Permit NOT Required

• Low-voltage card readers and key fob systems (under 25 volts)
• Electronic strikes operating on low voltage
• Proximity readers and biometric scanners
• Access control panels using 50 volt-amps or less
• Smart locks with low-voltage wiring
• Intercom systems at low voltage
• PoE-powered access control devices

Permit May Be Required

• New electrical circuits for access control equipment
• Magnetic locks requiring dedicated power supplies over 25V
• Systems integrated with fire alarm (requires fire permit)
• Door modifications involving structural changes
• Work in the public right-of-way
• Historic district installations requiring design review

Key Rule: If your access control system operates at less than 25 volts and uses 50 volt-amps or less, no permit is required in Tucson.

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 card readers, intercoms, electronic access
R-67	Residential	Low Voltage Communication Systems for residential properties
CR-67	Dual	Combined commercial and residential scope

Additional License Considerations

Door Hardware: The C-67 license covers electronic access control components only. Physical door hardware installation (frames, closers, panic bars) may require:

• C-7 Carpentry: Door frames, metal doors, rough carpentry
• C-60 Finish Carpentry: Door trim, automatic door closers, metal doors

Many access control contractors subcontract door prep work to licensed door hardware specialists.

License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in the low voltage trade
• Examinations: Arizona 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.

When Is a License Required?

Arizona law requires a contractor license when:

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

When Permits Are Required

If your project exceeds low-voltage exemption thresholds:

Step 1: Determine Permit Type

• Electrical Permit: For new circuits or high-voltage equipment
• Building Permit: For door modifications or structural work
• Fire Permit: For fire alarm integration (mag-lock release)

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services:

City of Tucson Planning and Development Services
201 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 791-5550

Step 3: Inspection

Schedule inspection after installation for permitted work.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Fee	Timeline
Low-voltage access control (exempt)	$0	No permit needed
Electrical Permit (if required)	$75 - $200+	1-5 business days
Building Permit (door mods)	$100 - $300+	5-10 business days
Fire Permit (alarm integration)	Based on valuation	5-15 business days

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems (common for magnetic locks), additional requirements apply:

Mag-Lock Release Requirements

• Mag-locks on egress doors must release upon fire alarm activation
• Integration requires coordination with fire alarm contractor
• Fire permit may be required for integration work
• Must comply with IBC egress requirements

Delayed Egress Systems

• Limited to 15 or 30 seconds per code
• Must release on fire alarm, sprinkler flow, or power loss
• Requires signage and audible alarm during delay

For fire alarm integration requirements, see our Tucson Fire Alarm Permit Guide.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Low-voltage systems exempt from permits
• Smart locks typically do not require permits
• Gate access systems may require electrical permit if high-voltage
• HOA approval may be required in some communities
• R-67 license required for work over $1,000

Commercial Access Control

• Low-voltage systems still exempt from permits
• Fire alarm integration may require fire permit
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• Egress requirements per International Building Code
• C-67 license required for work over $1,000

Code Requirements

Egress Requirements (IBC Chapter 10)

• Access control cannot impede emergency egress
• Doors must unlock upon fire alarm activation
• Power failure must default to unlocked (fail-safe) or provide manual override
• Request-to-exit devices required on secured egress doors

ADA Compliance

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

Alarm Permits

If your access control system includes intrusion detection or alarm features, Tucson may require an alarm permit. Contact the Tucson Police Department for current alarm registration requirements.

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify voltage before assuming exemption — Most card readers are low-voltage, but always confirm specifications
• Document the exemption — Keep equipment specs showing under 25V operation in your project file
• Coordinate fire alarm integration early — Mag-lock release requirements affect hardware selection
• Test egress compliance — Verify request-to-exit and fire alarm release before final walkthrough
• Plan for door prep — Electric strikes require specific door cutouts; coordinate with door hardware contractor
• Consider PoE systems — Power over Ethernet keeps everything low-voltage and simplifies installation

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Tucson before they reach bid boards?

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Access Control Permit Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Tucson, Arizona
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Tucson, Arizona

Summary

Most access control installations in Tucson are exempt from permits when operating at less than 25 volts and using 50 volt-amps or less. This covers most card readers, key fob systems, and electronic locks. Permits may be required for fire alarm integration or electrical work exceeding low-voltage thresholds. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-67 license for commercial work over $1,000.

For questions about specific permit requirements, contact Tucson Planning and Development Services at (520) 791-5550.