Access Control Permit Requirements in Charleston County, South Carolina

Installing access control systems in Charleston County involves understanding permit requirements, contractor licensing, and local building codes. This guide covers everything you need to know about card reader, key fob, and electronic door hardware installations in the Charleston area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone low voltage access control. Access control systems operating at 50 volts or below typically don't require electrical permits in Charleston County. However, the City of Charleston has a "Low Voltage (commercial only)" category on their electrical permit application, so commercial installations may require permits depending on scope and integration.

What Is Considered Access Control?

Access control systems manage entry to buildings, rooms, and secured areas. Common installations include:

• Card reader and key fob entry systems
• Keypad and PIN code entry
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Electric door locks (mag locks, electric strikes)
• Door controllers and access panels
• Video intercom systems
• Gate and barrier access systems

When Are Permits Required in Charleston?

Permit requirements vary based on jurisdiction and project scope:

City of Charleston

The City of Charleston Building Inspections Division handles electrical permits. Their permit application includes "Low Voltage (commercial only)" as a category.

• Commercial installations: May require low voltage electrical permit
• Fire-rated door modifications: May require inspection
• Fire alarm integration: Requires Fire Marshal approval
• New construction: Included in building permit scope
• Historic districts: May have additional exterior restrictions

Charleston County (Unincorporated)

For unincorporated Charleston County areas:

• Standalone systems: Generally no permit required for low voltage
• Part of larger project: May be included in building permit
• Commercial over $5,000: May trigger contractor licensing requirements

North Charleston

North Charleston has separate permitting. Contact their Building Department at (843) 740-2562.

How Do I Apply for a Permit?

If your project requires a permit in the City of Charleston:

1. Verify jurisdiction: Use Charleston GIS tools to confirm City limits
2. Register on CSS: Create account on Customer Self Service portal
3. Complete application: Use Electrical Trade Permit Application
4. Submit documentation: Only PDF files accepted
5. Pay fees: Receive invoice after approval
6. Print permit: Available midnight after payment
7. Schedule inspections: As work progresses

Contact Information

City of Charleston Permit Center

• Address: 2 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401
• Phone: (843) 577-5550
• Email: permits@charleston-sc.gov
• Website: Charleston Permit Center
• Building Inspections: Building Inspections Division

Charleston County Building Inspection Services

• Website: Charleston County Building Services
• Inspections: Inspections Information

What Are the Fees for Access Control Permits?

When permits are required in Charleston:

Fee Type	Typical Range	Notes
Electrical Permit	$50 - $200	Based on scope
Plan Review	Varies	Commercial projects
Inspection	Included	With permit fee

Contact the permit office directly for current fee schedules.

South Carolina Contractor Licensing

South Carolina's licensing structure includes exemptions for low voltage work. For complete details, see our guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements.

Key Licensing Points for Access Control

• 50-volt exemption: Work at or below 50 volts exempt from electrical licensing
• Card access exemption: Specifically exempt from alarm licensing under SC law
• Commercial threshold: Projects over $5,000 require licensed contractor
• Residential threshold: Projects over $200 require licensing
• City business license: Required for work in City of Charleston

South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board

• Address: 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: (803) 896-4686
• Email: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov
• Website: SC Contractors' Licensing Board

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Charleston assigns projects to review levels based on type and size:

Review Level	Timeline	Notes
Over-the-counter	Same day possible	Simple projects, 9am-4:30pm
Standard review	1-2 weeks	Initial review
Complex projects	Several weeks	May require multiple reviews

Note: Over-the-counter approval is possible but never guaranteed. Requires complete submittal with no easement or historic issues.

Residential vs Commercial Access Control

Residential Installations

For home access control systems in Charleston County:

• Smart locks and keypad entry typically don't require permits
• Homeowners can install their own low voltage systems
• If hiring a contractor for projects over $200, verify licensing
• Video doorbell systems are generally permit-exempt
• Gate operators may require permits depending on power requirements

Commercial Installations

For business access control projects:

• City of Charleston may require low voltage electrical permit
• Projects over $5,000 require licensed contractors
• Fire-rated door hardware modifications require inspection
• Historic district installations may have restrictions
• Contractors need City business license plus state credentials

Building Codes in Charleston

The City of Charleston follows these codes affecting access control:

• 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
• 2021 South Carolina Residential Code
• 2017 ICC A117.1 for accessible buildings

Access control installations must comply with ADA requirements for accessible entries.

Historic District Considerations

Charleston is known for historic preservation. If installing exterior access control in historic districts:

• Check with Board of Architectural Review (BAR) for exterior hardware
• Consider discrete mounting that preserves historic character
• Exterior wiring may need to be concealed
• Historic Charleston Foundation easements may apply
• Preservation Society easements may affect some properties

Pro Tips for Charleston Access Control Projects

1. Verify jurisdiction first: Use GIS maps to confirm City vs County vs North Charleston
2. Check for easements: Historic easements can affect permit approval
3. PDF only: City only accepts PDF format for submittals
4. Notify staff: Email permits@charleston-sc.gov after uploading supplemental documents
5. Business license: Contractors need City of Charleston business license
6. Document everything: Keep records even when permits aren't required

Understanding Jurisdictions

Charleston County includes multiple jurisdictions:

• City of Charleston: Permit Center at 2 George Street
• North Charleston: Separate Building Department
• Charleston County: Building Inspection Services for unincorporated areas
• Mixed areas: West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Cainhoy have both City and County properties

Always verify jurisdiction at Charleston GIS before starting work.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Charleston County

• Security Camera Permits in Charleston County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Charleston County
• South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with the City of Charleston Permit Center at (843) 577-5550 or Charleston County Building Services before starting work.