Guide

What Arizona contractor licenses mean for outdoor-living projects

Arizona ROC license classifications are not interchangeable. The same homeowner project can touch multiple classifications — pool, hardscape, shade structure, electrical, gas — and the proposal should make clear which license covers which scope.

The basics

• License number & status. Active, suspended, cancelled, or expired — confirm directly with the ROC.
• Residential, commercial, or dual. Some classes are residential-only; commercial work requires the matching class.
• Classification. A pool license (e.g. CR-6 / C-6, KA-5 / A-5) covers pools. Landscaping & irrigation (CR-21 / C-21) covers pavers, turf, planting, and retaining walls under 3 ft. Patio covers fall under R-3 / C-3.
• Qualifying party. The licensed individual whose qualifications support the company's license — not always the owner.

Self-perform vs coordinate

A general contractor may coordinate licensed specialty partners for trades it does not self-perform — that is a normal, lawful delivery model when the partners are properly licensed and the responsibilities are clear in writing.

A homeowner's job is not to police every license — it is to understand who is performing each scope, who is licensed for it, and who is responsible for warranty and correction.

Where to verify

Arizona ROC Contractor Search is the official source. Anything else — directories, review sites, dashboards — is secondary.

Use the tool

The Contractor Check & Proposal Scorecard turns these checks into a structured walkthrough.

Educational reference only. Not legal advice or an ROC determination. Confirm classifications and license status directly with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.