Scottsdale's noise ordinance targets bars and live-entertainment businesses that disturb a residential district. Noise over 68 dB(A) is presumed unreasonable, and unreasonable means audible at least 100 feet from the business. Fines are $500, $1,500 and $2,500 for a first, second and third violation within a year. The Downtown district is excluded from the definition of residential district, so Old Town bars are not covered by the 68 dB test.
Commercial audio visual company in Scottsdale, AZ
Enzo Audio Visual is a commercial audio visual company in Scottsdale that designs, installs and services sound, video, security and network systems for restaurants, bars, offices and retail. Below is what we install here and the Scottsdale rules to know before you start. Call (602) 769-7992 to set up a walkthrough.
From the Old Town Entertainment District to Kierland Commons.
What we install in Scottsdale
Each link covers one system in Scottsdale, with the local rules that apply to it.
Sound and video
Commercial audioOld Town bars sit outside the city's 68 dB bar-noise test, but not outside the law.TV and video distributionGiants spring games at Scottsdale Stadium start February 19, 2027.LED video wallsScottsdale bans animated signs, so a changing LED face needs a city check.Digital signage and menu boardsA screen within three feet of a window counts as a window sign.Conference room AVMeeting rooms where the call starts on time.Event audio and videoSound and screens for events and conferences.AV control systemsOne tablet or wall panel for TVs, music and lights.
Security and access
Networks and connectivity
Structured data cablingCat6 and fiber, labeled, tested and certified.Fiber optic installationFiber between floors, buildings and racks.Business WiFiCoverage planned room by room, patio included.Business phone systemsDesk and cordless phones on your own network.Backup internetOld Town garage construction runs into summer 2027. A second line covers a cut.
Checked November 2026
Before you install in Scottsdale
These come straight from the City of Scottsdale and its police. Each one changes how we plan a job here, so we check them before we quote.
Police say Old Town's mixed-use areas were left out of the ordinance and they rely on the state disorderly conduct law there. Under a 2019 informal agreement, police and Entertainment District businesses set limits of 95 dBA and 110 dBC. A newer ordinance that would add decibel limits for Old Town was continued in February 2026 and had not been adopted as of the city's last update.
Assembly businesses that check ID at the door, use a DJ, offer adult services or teen dances, or use a promoter need a police-approved Public Safety Plan. The plan can't be moved to a new location or owner, lasts two years, and peak hours are presumed to be 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday.
Source: Scottsdale Revised Code, Ch. 23
The sign code bans animated signs except flags, defines animation as the automatic changing of any part of a sign face, and prohibits exposed LEDs unless used for indirect lighting. How a changing LED or video face is classified is a question for city sign staff, so we ask before we quote one that faces the street.
Source: Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance, Art. VIII (Sign Requirements)
A screen or sign placed within three feet of a window pane is treated as a window sign (Sec. 8.417, an older section, so we confirm it with the city). Permanent window signs are limited to one per business and two square feet, lit only internally, and must be inside the building.
Source: Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance, Art. VIII (Sign Requirements)
The city says an electrical permit is required to install, alter or repair electrical wiring on any building. Its amended exemption list names only minor repairs and maintenance and lists nothing for low-voltage, data, AV or security wiring. Starting before the permit doubles the permit fee.
Source: City of Scottsdale, Permit Services and 2021 IBC amendments
Scottsdale permits at a glance
- Codes in force
- 2021 International Building Code and 2020 National Electrical Code (Ordinance 4550, Sept. 20, 2022) and the 2021 International Fire Code (Ordinance 4562). The city's code page shows no 2024 adoption.
- Low-voltage exemption
- None listed. The city's amended exemption list covers only minor repairs and maintenance.
- Permits
- Permit Services, 7447 E. Indian School Road, 480-312-2500. Requests are filed through the SPUR online portal.
- Signs
- Sign permit required before installing any regulated sign. Commercial signs must be installed by an Arizona general contractor or sign contractor.
- Key boxes
- Required on commercial buildings with an off-site monitored fire system or restricted access. First box at the main entrance, 4 to 6 feet above grade.
Where we work in Scottsdale
Old Town Entertainment District
The northeast edge of Old Town is, in the destination site's words, bar after bar and nightclub after nightclub. Sound, cameras and a Public Safety Plan all come up here. See commercial audio in Scottsdale and security cameras.
5th Avenue and Stetson Avenue
The city names the 5th Avenue Shopping District and Stetson Avenue among Old Town's busiest areas. Shops and galleries here need digital signage that stays on the right side of the window-sign rule, plus WiFi for card readers.
Kierland Commons
Kierland Commons is in the City of Phoenix, so Scottsdale's noise ordinance does not cover it. Restaurants and offices there still need TV and video distribution, meeting rooms and data cabling.
Stadium and event week
Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town, Salt River Fields on Pima Road and WestWorld all draw crowds for spring training and big events. See TV and video distribution and event audio and video.
Questions about AV and security work in Scottsdale
Is there a decibel limit for my Old Town bar patio?
Not in the city ordinance. Scottsdale's 68 dB(A) presumption does not apply to the Downtown district. Police say they rely on the state disorderly conduct law there, and a 2019 informal agreement with Entertainment District businesses set 95 dBA and 110 dBC. A newer ordinance with Old Town decibel limits was continued in February 2026, so check with the city before you rely on any number.
Do I need a permit to run low-voltage cabling in Scottsdale?
The city requires an electrical permit to install or alter wiring on any building, and its exemption list names only minor repairs and maintenance. It lists no low-voltage exemption. Permit Services at 480-312-2500 can tell you how your job is classified. Starting work before the permit doubles the permit fee.
Can I put an LED screen on my storefront in Scottsdale?
Check with the city first. The sign code bans animated signs and defines animation as automatically changing any part of a sign face. A screen within three feet of a window also counts as a window sign. We ask city sign staff how a given screen is classified before we quote it.
Which building code does Scottsdale use?
The 2021 International Building Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code, with Scottsdale's amendments, were adopted by Ordinance 4550 on September 20, 2022. The 2021 International Fire Code is adopted separately by Ordinance 4562. The city's code page lists no 2024 adoption.
What hours do you work?
Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Call (602) 769-7992 or request service.
Nearby service areas
Have a project?
Most installations take a few days to a few weeks. You'll get a clear timeline during your consultation.
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Tell us what's not working and where. We provide ongoing maintenance and support to keep your systems running.
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