Access Control Permit Requirements in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals
Chesterfield County access control permit requirements for Virginia contractors. Most low voltage work exempt, fire integration needs permits.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Most low voltage access control installations in Chesterfield County, Virginia do not require permits when operating under 50 volts. However, contractors must hold a Virginia DCJS Electronic Security Business license and DPOR contractor registration. Systems with electric strikes or maglocks connected to fire alarm systems require fire marshal coordination.
When Are Permits Required?
Chesterfield County follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). For access control systems:
- No permit required: Standalone card readers, keypads, and biometric devices operating under 50 volts
- No permit required: Battery-powered electronic locks
- Permit required: Access control tied to fire alarm release mechanisms
- Permit required: Electric strikes or maglocks on fire-rated doors
- Permit required: Systems requiring new electrical circuits above 50 volts
- Electrical permit required: Power supply installations requiring dedicated 120V circuits
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Virginia requires dual licensing for electronic security contractors:
DCJS Electronic Security Business License
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) regulates electronic security businesses including access control installers:
- License Type: Electronic Security Business (ESB)
- Compliance Agent: Must designate qualified individual
- Background Check: Required for all registered employees
- Insurance: $100,000 minimum general liability
- Renewal: Every 2 years
DPOR Contractor Registration
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) requires:
- Class A License: Projects over $120,000
- Class B License: Projects $10,000 to $120,000
- Class C License: Projects under $10,000 (registration only)
Most access control projects fall under Class B or C requirements.
Chesterfield County Permit Application Process
When permits are required for fire-integrated access control:
Step 1: Submit Online Application
Apply through the Chesterfield County Building Inspection Department online portal.
Step 2: Required Documents
- System layout drawings showing device locations
- Door schedule with hardware specifications
- Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
- Virginia contractor license numbers (both DCJS and DPOR)
- Product specifications and cut sheets
Step 3: Fire Marshal Review
Projects affecting fire-rated assemblies require Chesterfield County Fire Marshal approval.
Contact Information
Chesterfield County Building Inspection
9901 Lori Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1057
Email: buildinginspections@chesterfield.gov
Chesterfield County Fire Marshal
Phone: (804) 748-1227
Fees and Processing Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Permit (includes access control integration) | Based on valuation | 5-10 business days |
| Electrical Permit | Based on valuation | 3-5 business days |
| Plan Review | 65% of permit fee | 10-15 business days |
| Reinspection | $75 | As scheduled |
Residential vs. Commercial Projects
Residential Access Control
- Smart locks and video doorbells: No permit required
- Keypad entry systems: No permit required
- Gate operators: May require electrical permit for power
- Most residential work falls under Class C contractor level
Commercial Access Control
- Multi-door card access systems: No permit if under 50V
- Turnstiles and mantraps: May require building permit for structural
- Emergency egress integration: Fire marshal coordination required
- ADA compliance: Must meet accessibility requirements per 2018 IBC
Pro Tips from Local Contractors
- Fire-rated doors: Always coordinate with fire marshal when installing electric hardware on fire doors—this is the most common compliance issue
- Delayed egress: Virginia requires specific signage and 15-second maximum delay per code
- Emergency power: Access control on emergency egress routes typically requires battery backup
- Document everything: Keep door schedule and hardware specs on-site during inspection
- Integration testing: Test fire alarm release functions before calling for inspection
Common Installation Scenarios
Office Building Card Access
Typical 10-door card access system with magnetic locks: No permit required if standalone system under 50V. DCJS license required.
Warehouse with Fire Alarm Integration
Access control integrated with fire alarm for automatic door release: Fire alarm permit required, fire marshal inspection, both DCJS and DPOR licenses needed.
Retail Store After-Hours Security
Keypad and card reader on employee entrance: No permit required. DCJS license required.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Chesterfield County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
Related Guides
Tags
Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros
Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.