Access Control Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas

Quick Answer: Austin has specific requirements for access control installations that differ from other Texas cities. Low voltage work under 25 volts and Class II/III circuits are exempt from building permits, but Austin requires electrical permits for many low voltage installations. Contractors must hold a Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Class D (Electronic Access Control Device Company) or Class B license. Projects involving fire-rated doors require Fire Department plan review.

When Is a Permit Required?

Austin's permit requirements for access control are more specific than state-level exemptions:

Permit Exemptions

Per City of Austin exempt work guidelines, the following are exempt from building permits:

• Electrical devices operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
• Class II and Class III low-energy power, control, and signal circuits as defined in the 2023 NEC

Important: Even exempt work must comply with applicable Building Codes, City Codes, and all other ordinances. Austin exercises municipal override authority for low voltage work, meaning requirements may exceed state exemptions.

When Permits ARE Required

You will likely need permits for access control projects that include:

• Integration with fire alarm systems (requires AFD plan review)
• Electric strike or magnetic lock installations on fire-rated doors
• Electrical work exceeding exemption thresholds
• Power supply installations requiring 120V connections
• Structural modifications (wall penetrations, door frame alterations)

Access Control/Electrical Locking System Submittals

Austin Fire Department has specific requirements for access control systems on fire doors. Per the AFD Access Control Memo (July 2024), projects involving electrical locking on egress doors require fire department plan review to ensure life safety compliance.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Even when building permits aren't required, contractor licensing is mandatory for all access control work in Texas.

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau License

The Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau regulates access control contractors. You need one of these licenses:

Class D – Electronic Access Control Device Company

Required if your company installs or maintains electronic access control devices. Under Section 1702.1055 of the Texas Private Security statutes, a person acts as an electronic access control device company if they install or maintain electronic access control devices.

Class B – Security Contractor Company

A broader license that includes authorization for:

• Alarm systems
• Electronic access control
• CCTV/surveillance
• Locksmith services
• Guard services

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Individual Installer Requirements

Technicians installing access control devices must:

• Register as an Electronic Access Control Device Installer with DPS
• Pass an examination covering access control subject matter
• Complete 8 hours of continuing education each renewal period (7 hours technical + 1 hour ethics)

Company Manager Requirements

The Texas PSB Approved Manager's Exam is required to operate/manage a Class D Electronic Access Control Company. The exam covers eligibility criteria, pre-employment procedures, application requirements, record-keeping, and disciplinary procedures.

Application Process

For Low Voltage Work (Exempt from Building Permit)

1. Verify your state license – Confirm your Class D or Class B license is active with DPS
2. Check for fire door involvement – If installing on fire-rated doors, submit to AFD for review
3. Coordinate with building management – Obtain access and any required documentation
4. Install per code – Follow NEC requirements and Austin local amendments
5. Document your work – Maintain as-built documentation

For Projects Requiring Permits

Submit through Austin's permitting system:

1. Use the "Do I Need a Permit?" tool to determine requirements
2. Prepare plans and documentation
3. Submit application and supporting materials
4. Pay applicable fees
5. Schedule inspections upon completion

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Austin Development Services	austintexas.gov	Building permits
Austin Fire Department	Plan review for fire door work	Access control on egress doors
Permitting Center (PDC)	6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr.	In-person assistance
Texas DPS PSB	dps.texas.gov	State licensing
Travis County	traviscountytx.gov	Unincorporated areas

Fees and Timeline

Alarm Permit Fees (If Applicable)

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit	$50/year	Annual renewal required
Commercial Alarm Permit	Varies	Contact Austin PD Alarm Unit
False Alarm Response	Escalating fees	After grace period

State Licensing Fees (DPS)

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Class B Company License	$575	2-year license
Class D Company License	$575	2-year license
Individual Registration	$30-$40	Varies by type
Manager Examination	$50	Per attempt

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Typically exempt from building permits (under 25V/50W)
• Common systems: smart locks, video doorbells, keypad entry
• Alarm permit ($50) required if monitored
• Still requires state licensing for paid installation
• Homeowner self-installation permitted for their own property

Commercial Access Control

• May require electrical permit depending on system complexity
• Fire door installations require AFD plan review
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• NFPA 80 (Fire Doors) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) compliance required
• Building management may require additional contractor documentation

Fire Door Integration Requirements

Austin Fire Department pays close attention to access control installations on fire-rated and egress doors. Key requirements include:

Electrical Locking Systems

• Must release upon fire alarm activation
• Fail-safe operation required on egress doors
• Cannot impede emergency egress
• May require AFD plan review

Magnetic Locks

• Must be tied to fire alarm system for automatic release
• Request-to-exit (REX) devices required
• Time delay limitations apply per code

Electric Strikes

• Door closer operation must not be compromised
• Fire rating of door assembly must be maintained
• Listed hardware required for fire-rated doors

Code Compliance Considerations

2023 National Electrical Code

Austin has adopted the 2023 NEC with local amendments. All access control work must comply with:

• NEC Article 250 – Grounding requirements
• NEC Chapter 8 – Communications circuits
• Class II/III circuit limitations
• Proper cable ratings and installation methods

ADA Compliance

Commercial access control must meet accessibility standards:

• Card readers and keypads at proper mounting height (48" max)
• Door opening force within limits
• Automatic door operators when required
• Visual and audible feedback for users with disabilities

Life Safety Code

• NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code requirements
• NFPA 80 – Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
• IFC 2021 (with Austin amendments) – Egress requirements

Travis County (Unincorporated Areas)

For projects outside Austin city limits in Travis County:

• Contact Travis County Development Services
• State licensing requirements still apply
• Fire Marshal may have jurisdiction for certain projects
• Requirements may differ from City of Austin

Pro Tips from the Field

Check Fire Door Ratings First: Before quoting any commercial job, identify all fire-rated doors in the scope. These require AFD review and may add time and cost to the project.

Use Austin's "Do I Need a Permit?" Tool: This online resource helps determine specific requirements for your project location and type. Don't assume—check every time.

Document Everything: Even when permits aren't required, maintain thorough documentation. Austin is active in code enforcement, and proper records protect you.

Know the Voltage Thresholds: Austin's 25V/50W exemption is more restrictive than the typical 50V threshold. Verify your system specifications meet the exemption criteria.

Coordinate with Building Management: Many Austin commercial properties have their own security standards and contractor requirements. Get building specifications early to avoid rework.

Schedule PDC Appointments: For complex projects, the Permitting and Development Center offers appointments to help navigate requirements. Use this resource for tricky situations.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the City of Austin and Texas DPS before beginning work.