Access Control Permit Requirements in Arapahoe County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Access control installations in unincorporated Arapahoe County, Colorado typically do not require permits for low voltage systems under 50 volts. However, Arapahoe County offers a specialty contractor license that covers access control systems, and permits may be required for gate operators, electric fences, or work requiring electrical modifications above 50V.

When Are Permits Required?

Arapahoe County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Card reader and credential systems under 50V
• Keypad entry systems
• Magnetic door locks on low voltage
• Biometric access readers
• Intercom systems with electric release
• Standalone door controllers

Permits ARE Required:

• Motorized gate operators
• Electric fence systems
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits (120V+)
• Barrier arm systems
• Structural modifications for gates
• Work in county right-of-way

Contractor Licensing

Arapahoe County requires contractors to be licensed for work in unincorporated areas.

Specialty Contractor License

Arapahoe County offers a specialty license covering multiple trades including:

• Access control systems
• Fire alarm/detection systems
• Low-voltage/data systems
• Special applications

License Requirements

• Duration: Expires one year from date of issuance
• Renewal: Annual renewal required
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance required
• Application: Submit through Arapahoe County Building Division

New Licensing Program

Arapahoe County has implemented a new contractor licensing program. If your current license starts with "BCL," you must apply for a new license rather than renewing.

Permit Application Process

When permits are required (gate operators, electrical work):

Step 1: Verify License Status

• Ensure contractor license is current
• Verify specialty license covers access control

Step 2: Submit Application

• Provide site plan showing equipment locations
• Include equipment specifications
• Submit electrical load calculations if applicable

Step 3: Plan Review and Approval

• Building Division reviews submitted plans
• Address any required corrections
• Pay permit fees upon approval

Step 4: Inspections

• Schedule inspections as required
• Final inspection for system approval

Contact Information

Arapahoe County Building Division
6924 S. Lima Street
Centennial, CO 80112
Phone: (720) 874-6550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Appointments recommended before visiting.

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	Processing Time
Contractor License	Contact county	1-2 weeks
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Building Permit (gates)	Based on valuation	2-4 weeks
Low voltage only	No permit required	N/A

Residential vs. Commercial Access Control

Residential Projects

• Smart locks and keypads: No permits typically needed
• Driveway gates: May require permit depending on power requirements
• HOA approval often required in Arapahoe County communities
• Video intercom systems: Generally no permit required

Commercial Projects

• ADA compliance required for accessible entrances
• Integration with fire alarm systems needs coordination
• Parking facility gates may need traffic review
• Emergency egress requirements must be met
• Knox Box may be required by fire authority

Fire and Life Safety Requirements

Access control systems must comply with safety codes:

• Emergency Egress: All egress doors must release on fire alarm
• Fail-Safe: Egress doors must unlock on power failure
• Fire Lane Access: Gates must not impede fire department
• Knox Box: May be required for gated properties

Municipalities Within Arapahoe County

Incorporated municipalities may have different requirements:

• Aurora: Separate building department and requirements
• Centennial: Uses Arapahoe County for building services
• Greenwood Village: Contact city for specific requirements
• Littleton: Separate building department
• Englewood: Contact city directly

Verify jurisdiction before starting any project.

Special Considerations

• HOA Communities: Many Arapahoe County neighborhoods have architectural review
• DIA Area: Properties near airport may have restrictions
• Tech Corridor: High commercial activity along I-25
• New Construction: Coordinate with general contractor on permits

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Confirm if in county or municipality
• License First: Obtain specialty license before bidding jobs
• Online Portal: Use Customer Access portal for applications
• Track Expiration: Licenses expire annually
• HOA Coordination: Get HOA approval before installation
• Document Everything: Keep records even when permits not required

Common Access Control Systems

Popular systems in Arapahoe County:

• Card/Fob Access: HID, AWID credential systems
• Mobile Credentials: Smartphone-based entry
• Video Intercom: Combination surveillance and entry
• Biometric: Fingerprint and facial recognition
• Gate Operators: Slide, swing, and barrier gates
• Telephone Entry: Multi-tenant call systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Arapahoe County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Arapahoe County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Aurora Access Control Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• Arapahoe County Contractor Licensing
• Arapahoe County Permits and Approvals
• Arapahoe County Official Website