Access Control Permit Requirements in Chatham County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Chatham County requires building permits for access control installations involving electromagnetic locks on egress doors, structural modifications, or fire alarm integration. Standalone card reader installations typically do not require permits. All installers must hold a valid Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVA or LVU), and alarm systems must be registered per Chatham County Ordinance §10-306.

When Are Permits Required?

Chatham County follows Georgia state building codes and the International Building Code (IBC) for access control installations. Permit requirements depend on the scope of work:

Permits Typically Required

• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors: Requires permit and compliance with IBC Chapter 10 means of egress requirements
• Fire alarm integration: Access control tied to fire systems needs separate fire alarm permit review
• Structural modifications: Door frame alterations, new door installations, or wall penetrations
• Commercial gate operators: Motorized gates with access control require permits
• New construction: Access control as part of commercial or residential construction projects

Permits Typically Not Required

• Standalone card reader installations without door modifications
• Keypad entry systems on existing doors
• Video intercom systems (low-voltage only)
• Replacement of existing access control components
• Residential smart locks replacing standard deadbolts

Georgia Contractor Licensing Requirements

All access control installation work in Chatham County requires a valid Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license issued by the Georgia Secretary of State.

Applicable License Types

License Class	Designation	Access Control Coverage
Unrestricted	LVU	Full access control installation authority
Alarm	LVA	Access control when part of security system
General	LVG	Limited access control work

Voltage Limitation: Low voltage contractors cannot perform work on systems exceeding 50 volts AC or 30 volts DC. A licensed electrical contractor is required for high-voltage connections and dedicated power circuits.

For complete state licensing requirements, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Chatham County Permit Application Process

When permits are required, follow this process with Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Prepare the following before submitting:

• Completed permit application form
• Copy of Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license
• Local Business Tax Certification
• Project plans showing door locations and hardware specifications
• Egress compliance documentation for electromagnetic locks

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit completed applications with all attachments to:

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
1117 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-790-1519

Applications accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Note: Applications cannot be submitted by fax or email.

Step 3: Plan Review

Allow 5-10 business days for review. Applications with incomplete documentation will be returned. Ensure all required materials are included to avoid delays.

Step 4: Inspections

Once approved, schedule inspections as required. Access control inspections verify:

• Proper egress door operation per IBC Chapter 10
• Fire alarm integration functionality
• ADA compliance for accessible entrances
• Electrical connections meet code requirements

Contact Information

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
1117 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912-790-1519
Website: buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Low Voltage/Alarm Permit	$50-$150	3-5 business days
Building Permit (commercial)	Based on project value	5-15 business days
Re-inspection Fee	$30.00	Next available day
Plan Review	Varies by scope	Included in permit time

Georgia Building Code Requirements for Access Control

Georgia enforces the International Building Code (IBC) 2018 Edition with state amendments. Key requirements for access-controlled doors:

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Per IBC Chapter 10, electromagnetic locks on egress doors must:

• Release upon fire alarm: Doors must unlock when fire alarm or sprinkler system activates and remain unlocked until manually reset
• Release on power loss: Electromagnetic locks must fail-safe (unlock) upon loss of power
• Panic hardware operation: Listed panic or fire exit hardware must also release the electromagnetic lock
• Sensor release option: Sensors may detect approaching occupants and unlock doors automatically

ADA Accessibility Requirements

Per Georgia Accessibility Code, door hardware must:

• Not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist
• Be installed 34-48 inches above the finished floor
• Allow operation with one hand without tight gripping

Occupancy Restrictions

Electromagnetic locks are not permitted in all building types. Entrance doors in Group A (Assembly), B (Business), E (Educational), or M (Mercantile) occupancies cannot be secured from the egress side during periods the building is open to the public.

Chatham County Alarm Registration

Chatham County Ordinance §10-306 requires alarm system registration:

• Registration required: All monitored alarm systems including access control must be registered
• False alarm fees: Excessive false alarms may result in fines
• Emergency response: Failure to register could affect emergency response

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

Home access control systems in Chatham County typically require no permit for:

• Smart locks replacing existing deadbolts
• Video doorbell installations
• Residential intercom systems
• Garage door access keypads

Permits may be required when electromagnetic locks are installed on egress doors or when work involves electrical modifications.

Commercial Access Control

Commercial projects have stricter requirements:

• Egress compliance: All access-controlled doors must allow immediate exit during emergencies
• Fire system integration: Systems must release all electromagnetic locks upon fire alarm activation
• ADA compliance: Accessible routes must meet Georgia Accessibility Code requirements
• UL listing: Electromagnetic locks must be UL 294 listed

City of Savannah vs. Unincorporated Areas

Permit requirements differ depending on location:

• City of Savannah: Contact Savannah Development Services at 912-651-6530. Use the eTRAC portal for online permit tracking.
• Unincorporated Chatham County: Contact Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
• Other municipalities: Pooler, Garden City, Bloomingdale, and Tybee Island have their own permitting processes

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Determine whether your project is in the City of Savannah or unincorporated Chatham County before applying for permits
• Egress documentation: For electromagnetic locks, prepare detailed documentation showing code compliance before permit submission
• Fire marshal coordination: When installing access control on fire-rated doors, coordinate with the fire marshal early in planning
• UL certification: Ensure all electromagnetic locks are UL 294 listed and provide documentation
• Alarm registration: Assist clients with Chatham County alarm registration requirements
• Pre-application meetings: For complex commercial projects in Savannah, attend Thursday BPR meetings for early feedback

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Georgia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia