Access Control Permit Requirements in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Installing access control systems in Bucks County, Pennsylvania requires understanding local permit requirements and ADA compliance standards. This guide covers what contractors and property owners need to know across the county's municipalities.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Low-voltage access control wiring alone typically doesn't require permits in most Bucks County municipalities. However, projects involving electrical work, structural modifications, or fire alarm integration will require permits.

When Permits Are Required

Access control permits are typically required when:

• Installing new electrical circuits for equipment
• Modifying door frames or structural elements
• Integrating with fire alarm systems for emergency release
• Installing electric strikes or magnetic locks requiring power
• Commercial projects with extensive wiring
• Projects penetrating fire-rated assemblies

When Permits May Not Be Required

Under Pennsylvania UCC Section 403.42, certain work is exempt:

• Standalone keypad locks with battery power
• Smart locks replacing existing hardware
• Low-voltage wiring within existing pathways
• Minor repairs to existing systems
• Like-for-like equipment replacements

Important: Always verify with your local building department before assuming an exemption applies.

Pennsylvania Contractor Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide access control contractor license. However:

• Home Improvement Registration: Required for residential work over $500 through the PA Attorney General's Office
• Municipal Business License: Some Bucks County townships require local contractor registration
• Electrical License: May be required if work involves line voltage connections
• Insurance: Liability coverage typically required by municipalities

For detailed statewide requirements, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

Bucks County municipalities follow the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which includes:

• Building code requirements
• Electrical code compliance
• Accessibility standards
• Fire safety integration requirements

Bucks County Municipal Permit Offices

Permits are issued at the township or borough level. Contact your project's municipality:

Municipality	Contact	Notes
Middletown Township	(215) 750-3800	Online permit applications
Warwick Township	(215) 343-6100	Building permits department
Doylestown Borough	(215) 345-4140	Code enforcement office
Bensalem Township	(215) 633-3600	Building & Code department
Newtown Township	(215) 968-2800	Code enforcement
Lower Makefield Township	(215) 493-3646	Building permits

Application Process

When permits are required:

1. Identify your municipality: Determine which township or borough
2. Contact building department: Verify specific requirements
3. Prepare documentation: Site plans, door schedules, wiring diagrams
4. Submit application: Include contractor credentials and insurance
5. Pay fees: Varies by municipality and project scope
6. Schedule inspection: Required for permitted work

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Range
Building Permit (if required)	$50-$150
Electrical Permit	$75-$175
Plan Review (commercial)	$100-$250
Processing Time	3-10 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Typically exempt from permits for low-voltage wiring
• Contractor must be PA Home Improvement registered
• Single inspection if permit required
• Lower documentation requirements

Commercial Access Control

• May require building permits depending on scope
• Fire marshal review if integrating with fire systems
• ADA compliance mandatory for public entrances
• Multiple inspections may be required
• As-built documentation expected

ADA Compliance Requirements

All commercial access control installations must comply with ADA standards:

Mounting Heights

• Card readers and keypads: Maximum 48 inches from floor
• Intercoms: Accessible height for wheelchair users
• Controls must be operable with one hand

Door Hardware

• Operating force: Maximum 5 lbs for interior doors
• Door opening width: Minimum 32 inches clear
• Automatic door openers recommended for high-traffic accessible routes

Emergency Egress

• Doors must release within 15 seconds during fire alarm
• Manual release must be accessible to all users
• Emergency exit hardware required on egress doors

Penalties: ADA violations can result in fines of $75,000 for first offense and $150,000 for subsequent violations.

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems:

• Fire marshal approval typically required
• Doors must release automatically during alarm
• Separate fire alarm permit may be needed
• NFPA 72 and 80 compliance required
• Coordination with fire alarm contractor essential

Pro Tips from Bucks County Contractors

• Know your township: Each municipality has different processes and fees
• Plan for ADA: Non-compliance is costly—design for accessibility from the start
• Coordinate with other trades: Access control often ties into electrical, fire alarm, and door hardware
• Document door schedules: Maintain records of all door hardware and access levels
• Test emergency release: Verify fire alarm integration works correctly
• Consider PoE: Power over Ethernet reduces electrical permit requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Philadelphia Access Control Permits
• Pittsburgh Access Control Permits
• Montgomery County Access Control Permits
• Bucks County Fire Alarm Permits