Access Control Permit Requirements in Aurora, Colorado

Quick Answer: Aurora may require permits for access control installations depending on the scope of work. While standalone low voltage access control systems may not always require permits, work involving fire-rated door modifications, integration with fire alarm systems, or electrical connections to building power will likely require permits. Contact the Aurora Building Division at (303) 739-7420 to verify requirements for your specific project.

When Are Access Control Permits Required?

Access control permit requirements in Aurora vary based on project scope:

Permits May Be Required When:

• Work involves fire-rated door modifications
• System integrates with fire alarm systems
• Installation requires new walls, doors, or frames
• Electrical connections to building power (120V+)
• Delayed egress or controlled egress systems affecting means of egress
• Work affects emergency systems

Permits May Not Be Required For:

• Standalone low voltage card reader installations
• Wireless access control systems
• Simple electric strike or mag lock installations (under 50V)
• Keypad or intercom installations not affecting egress

Important: Always verify with Aurora Building Division before beginning work, as requirements vary by project.

Work Covered by Access Control Systems

Access control system work typically includes:

• Delayed egress systems
• Telephone entry systems
• Electric door strikes
• Electromagnetic locking hardware (mag locks)
• Electrified locksets
• Electrically operated panic hardware
• Card readers and credential systems
• Controllers and head-end equipment
• Power supplies not hardwired to building electrical
• Biometric access control devices

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Aurora's licensing requirements:

• Aurora requires a current State of Colorado master's and contractor's license on file with the Building Division for certain trades
• Aurora does not issue a separate electrical contractor license
• Colorado does not require a statewide low voltage contractor license for security systems under 50V

Work Type	License Required	Issuing Agency
Low voltage access control (under 50V)	Check with Building Division	Aurora Building Division
Electrical work (120V+)	Colorado State Electrical License	DORA
Fire alarm integration	Fire Alarm Contractor License	Aurora Building Division
New walls/doors/frames	Building Contractor (Class A, B, or D)	Aurora Building Division

Colorado Exemptions

Under Colorado law (CRS § 12-115-116), there are exceptions to electrical licensing requirements including:

• Work on security systems of 50 volts or less
• Work on certain class 2 and class 3 circuits

Documentation Requirements

When permits are required, plans should include:

• All doors with mechanical free egress identified
• Location of all equipment (readers, controllers, power supplies, etc.)
• Emergency lighting and exit sign locations
• Path of egress travel to exits
• Detailed sequence of operations narrative for each door
• One-line diagram with power and battery backup
• Point-to-point wiring details
• Interconnections to fire alarm or elevator systems

Designer Requirements

Drawings should be prepared by:

• Licensed access control system contractor or supervisor
• Original signature, date, and license number on each sheet
• Indicates review and acceptance of responsibility for system design

Fire-Rated Door Requirements

When access control is installed on fire-rated doors:

• Modifications must be performed by an approved fabricator
• Shop must be approved by the listing and labeling agency
• Documentation of modifications must be provided
• Fire rating of the assembly must be maintained

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control systems connect to fire alarm systems:

• Wiring and modifications must be performed by an electrical signal contractor (fire alarm contractor)
• Fire alarm contractor license required
• Separate fire alarm permit may be required
• Fire Marshal approval may be needed

Aurora Municipal Code References

Relevant sections of Aurora City Code Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations):

• Sec. 22-189: Door construction requirements
• Sec. 22-190: Door security in R occupancies
• Sec. 22-213: Permits and inspections required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Single-family homes typically don't require permits for basic access control
• Smart locks and keypad systems generally permit-exempt
• Multi-family common area systems may require permits
• Gate access systems in HOA communities may have additional requirements

Commercial Access Control

• Higher likelihood of permit requirement
• Egress compliance strictly enforced
• ADA accessibility requirements apply
• Fire alarm integration requires fire alarm contractor
• Documentation requirements more stringent

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Call Building Division first: A quick call to (303) 739-7420 clarifies what's needed for your specific project
• Understand egress requirements: Access control must maintain mechanical free egress at all times
• Fire-rated doors need documentation: Any modifications require proper fabricator documentation
• Coordinate with fire alarm contractors: If integrating with fire alarm, separate licensing required
• Document your work: Even without permits, good documentation protects you and your clients

Contact Information

Aurora Building Division - Permit Center
Aurora Municipal Center
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, 2nd Floor
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-7420
Email: permits@auroragov.org
Website: auroragov.org/permits

Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contractor Licensing: auroragov.org/contractor-licensing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor Licensing Guide
• Aurora Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Aurora Fire Alarm Permit Requirements