Security Camera Permit Requirements in Tucson, Arizona

Quick Answer: Most security camera installations in Tucson do not require permits. According to City of Tucson guidelines, low-voltage wiring and devices operating at less than 25 volts and using 50 volt-amps of power or less—including security cameras and CCTV systems—are exempt from permit requirements. Contractors must still hold an Arizona ROC C-67 or R-67 license for work over $1,000.

When Are Permits Required in Tucson?

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

Permit NOT Required

• Low-voltage security cameras operating under 25 volts
• CCTV systems using 50 volt-amps of power or less
• Wireless camera systems (Ring, Nest, Arlo)
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera systems
• Alarm systems operating at low voltage
• Doorbells and video doorbells
• Irrigation controllers and similar low-voltage devices

Permit May Be Required

• New electrical circuits for camera equipment (NVR rooms, large PoE switches)
• Systems requiring dedicated 120V or 240V power
• Installations involving structural modifications
• Work in historic districts requiring design review
• Commercial projects with integrated fire alarm systems
• Large-scale surveillance requiring new electrical panels

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

Arizona Contractor Licensing Requirements

While permits may not be required, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) still requires proper licensing for security camera installation work.

Required License Classifications

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low Voltage Communication Systems including security cameras, alarms, CCTV
R-67	Residential	Low Voltage Communication Systems for residential properties
CR-67	Dual	Combined commercial and residential scope

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)

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

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

When Permits Are Required

If your project exceeds the low-voltage exemption thresholds, here is the permit process:

Step 1: Determine Permit Type

• Electrical Permit: For new circuits or high-voltage equipment
• Building Permit: For structural modifications or penetrations

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 cameras (exempt)	$0	No permit needed
Electrical Permit (if required)	$75 - $200+	1-5 business days
Commercial Plan Review	$150 - $400+	5-15 business days
Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule within 24-48 hours

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Low-voltage cameras exempt from permits
• No permit needed for wireless or PoE systems
• HOA approval may be required in some communities
• Cameras must not capture neighbors' private areas
• R-67 license required for work over $1,000

Commercial Installations

• Low-voltage systems still exempt from permits
• Permits required when new electrical circuits needed
• Must post visible signage notifying of surveillance
• Cannot record areas with reasonable privacy expectation
• C-67 license required for commercial work over $1,000

Arizona Privacy and Recording Laws

Tucson security camera installations must comply with Arizona state privacy laws:

Video Recording Rules

• Permitted: Public areas, parking lots, building entrances, common areas
• Prohibited: Restrooms, locker rooms, bedrooms, changing areas—anywhere with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Under ARS 13-3019, filming in private areas without consent is a Class 5 felony

Audio Recording

Arizona is a one-party consent state. You may record audio if at least one party to the conversation consents. Recording private conversations without any party's consent is illegal.

Signage Requirements

• Businesses must post visible surveillance notices
• Signs must be clear and easily visible
• Proper notice provides legal protection under ARS 13-3019

Rental Property Rules

• Landlords must inform tenants of all camera locations
• Short-term rental hosts must disclose surveillance in common areas
• Private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) cannot be monitored

Alarm System Permits

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring features, Tucson may require an alarm permit. Check with the Tucson Police Department for current alarm registration requirements.

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify voltage before assuming exemption — Most IP cameras are low-voltage, but always confirm system specifications
• Document the exemption — Keep equipment specs showing under 25V operation in your project file
• Check HOA rules in master-planned communities — Tucson has many communities with exterior modification restrictions
• Use PoE for simplicity — Power over Ethernet keeps everything low-voltage and permit-exempt
• Post signage proactively — Even residential installations benefit from visible surveillance notices
• Plan for Tucson heat — Outdoor cameras need IP66+ ratings and may need shade structures in direct sun

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Phoenix, Arizona

Summary

Security camera installations in Tucson are generally exempt from permits when operating at less than 25 volts and using 50 volt-amps or less. This covers most modern IP and PoE camera systems. Contractors must still hold an Arizona ROC C-67 or R-67 license for work exceeding $1,000. All installations must comply with Arizona privacy laws, including proper signage for commercial properties.

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