Access Control Permit Requirements in Anoka County, Minnesota

Installing access control systems in Anoka County, Minnesota? Understanding permit requirements and licensing ensures your project proceeds smoothly. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about compliance across Anoka County's 21 municipalities.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope of work. Basic access control installations using low voltage wiring typically do not require permits in most Anoka County cities. However, work involving new electrical circuits, structural modifications to doors and frames, or integration with fire alarm systems will require permits. Important note: Anoka County does not issue building permits—each city within the county handles permits independently.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

Since permits are issued at the city level in Anoka County, requirements vary. Here are general guidelines:

Permits Usually Required:

• New electrical circuits – Adding dedicated power for access control panels requires an electrical permit
• Door frame modifications – Cutting or modifying frames for electric strikes requires building permits
• Fire alarm integration – Access control tied to fire systems requires fire alarm permits
• ADA compliance work – Automatic door openers may require building permits
• Commercial new construction – Part of overall building permit package
• Structural penetrations – Running conduit through fire-rated walls

Permits Usually NOT Required:

• Standalone card readers – Low voltage devices using existing infrastructure
• Keypad locks – Battery-powered or low voltage electronic locks
• PoE-based systems – Using existing network cabling
• Wireless access control – No new wiring required
• Device replacements – Like-for-like swaps without system changes

Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

What Contractor License Do You Need?

Minnesota requires proper licensing for low voltage access control work. Understanding the permit vs. license distinction is essential:

For Individual Technicians:

Power Limited Technician (PLT) License from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) covers access control installation. Requirements include:

• 36 months (approximately 4,000 hours) of documented experience
• Registration as unlicensed worker during experience accumulation
• Pass the Minnesota PLT examination (70% minimum score, open-book)
• 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years

For Companies:

Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) License is required to operate a low voltage contracting business. Requirements:

• Designated responsible individual with PLT license or master electrician license
• Business registration with Minnesota Secretary of State
• Insurance and bonding requirements

Important PLT Restrictions:

The PLT license has specific limitations. PLTs cannot work on:

• Class 2/3 circuits that control other electrical systems
• Circuits in electrical cabinets with unprotected higher voltage
• Hazardous locations
• Critical care areas in healthcare facilities
• Commercial fire alarm systems (requires electrical contractor)

For complete licensing details, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Permits in Anoka County?

Contact your local city building department. Key contacts:

City of Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids offers online permit applications through BS&A Online.

• Address: 11155 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
• Phone: 763-767-6476
• Online: coonrapidsmn.gov/ePermits
• Email submission: Forms accepted via email, in-person, or US Mail

City of Blaine

• Address: 10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449
• Phone: 763-785-6188
• Website: blainemn.gov

City of Anoka

All commercial projects require plan review.

• Phone: 763-576-2720
• Website: anokaminnesota.com/Building-Department

City of Andover

• Address: 1685 Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
• Phone: 763-755-5100
• Website: andovermn.gov

Other Major Cities:

City	Building Department Phone
Fridley	763-572-3590
Columbia Heights	763-706-3670
Ramsey	763-427-1410
Ham Lake	763-434-9555

Application Process:

1. Determine if permit needed – Call your city's building inspection department
2. Prepare documentation – Site plans, equipment specifications, wiring diagrams
3. Submit application – Online (Coon Rapids) or in-person for other cities
4. Pay fees – Based on project valuation including material and labor
5. Schedule inspections – Required for permitted work

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Permit Type	Typical Fee Range	Processing Time
Basic Electrical Permit	$50-$100	Same day to 3 days
Low Voltage Only	Often exempt	N/A
Commercial (with plan review)	$150-$400+	5-14 business days
Building Permit (door mods)	Based on valuation	3-7 business days

Fees vary by city—contact your local building department for exact amounts.

What's the Difference Between Residential and Commercial?

Residential Installations:

• Simpler permitting requirements—often exempt for low voltage
• Homeowner can self-install on own property (no license needed)
• Basic keypad/card reader systems rarely need permits
• Smart locks and wireless systems typically exempt

Commercial Installations:

• Licensed contractor required for all work
• Plan review often required for new construction
• ADA compliance considerations for door hardware
• Fire alarm integration requires additional permits
• IT coordination for network-based systems
• May require building permit for door frame modifications

Access Control System Types and Permit Considerations

System Type	Typical Permit Needs	Notes
Card/Fob Readers	Usually exempt	Low voltage, minimal installation
Biometric Systems	Usually exempt	Same as card readers
Electric Strikes	May need building permit	Frame modifications often required
Magnetic Locks	Usually exempt	Surface-mounted, low voltage
Automatic Door Openers	Building permit likely	ADA compliance, electrical work
Integrated with Fire Alarm	Fire alarm permit required	Egress and life safety codes apply

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Call before you start – Each of Anoka County's 21 cities has slightly different requirements. A quick call saves headaches.
• Understand egress requirements – Access control on exit doors must allow free egress during emergencies. Know your fire codes.
• Document the fire alarm tie-in – If integrating with fire systems, get it inspected separately. This is where most compliance issues occur.
• Use the right license – PLT covers most access control work, but fire alarm integration requires an electrical contractor.
• ADA matters – Commercial access control must comply with ADA. Door pressure, reach ranges, and timing all have requirements.
• Network coordination – IP-based access control requires IT coordination. Ensure proper VLAN configuration and POE capacity.
• Stay current – Minnesota adopted the 2023 NEC effective July 1, 2023. Verify all work meets current code.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for Anoka County

• Security Camera Permits in Anoka County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Anoka County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Anoka County (Coming Soon)

For state-level licensing information, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.