Access Control Permit Requirements in Cincinnati, Ohio

Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Cincinnati, Ohio do not require permits when operating under 50 volts and not integrated with fire alarm systems. Electrical permits are needed for new line voltage circuits. If your system includes monitored alarm capabilities, registration with Cincinnati's False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) is required.

When Are Permits Required?

Cincinnati follows the Ohio Building Code with local amendments. For access control systems:

• No permit required: Standalone card readers, keypads, and biometric devices under 50V
• No permit required: Battery-powered electronic locks
• No permit required: PoE-powered access control hardware
• Permit required: Access control integrated with fire alarm door release
• Permit required: Electric strikes or maglocks on fire-rated doors
• Electrical permit required: New 120V circuits for power supplies
• Fire alarm permit required: Systems triggering fire alarm response

Cincinnati Alarm Registration (FARU)

If your access control system includes monitored alarm capabilities, registration is required with the Cincinnati False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU):

• Registration: Required for monitored systems
• Registration fees: Suspended as of March 2022
• Unregistered penalty: $100 plus $800 per false alarm
• Contact: (513) 352-1272

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a specific access control license:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) regulates electrical work:

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work (120V power supplies)
• Not required for: Low voltage access control under 50V
• Experience: 5 years for electrical license
• Insurance: $500,000 minimum liability

State Fire Marshal Certification

If access control integrates with fire alarm systems, contractors need Ohio State Fire Marshal certification:

• Required for: Fire alarm integration, door release mechanisms
• Company fee: $200 original, $150 renewal

Cincinnati Permit Application Process

When permits are required for fire-integrated access control:

Step 1: Submit Application

Apply at the Cincinnati Permit Center:

Address: 805 Central Avenue, Suite 500
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 352-3271
Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Step 2: Required Documents

• System layout showing door locations
• Door schedule with hardware specifications
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
• Contractor license information
• Product specifications for electric locks

Step 3: Fire Department Coordination

Projects affecting fire-rated doors require Cincinnati Fire Prevention Bureau review at (513) 352-6246.

Fees and Processing Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Fire Alarm Permit (includes access integration)	Based on valuation	5-10 business days
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
FARU Registration	Currently suspended	Immediate online
Reinspection	$50+	As scheduled

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks (August, Schlage, Yale): No permit required
• Video doorbell with remote unlock: No permit required
• Keypad entry systems: No permit required
• Gate operators: May require electrical permit for 120V power
• Monitored systems: FARU registration required

Commercial Access Control

• Multi-door card access systems: No permit if under 50V standalone
• Turnstiles and mantraps: May require building permit
• Emergency egress integration: Fire marshal coordination required
• ADA compliance: Must meet Ohio Building Code accessibility requirements

Fire Door and Egress Requirements

Access control on fire-rated doors requires special attention:

Fire-Rated Door Hardware

• Electric strikes: Must be fail-safe on egress doors
• Maglocks: Require fire alarm release and emergency hardware
• Delayed egress: Maximum 15-second delay per Ohio code
• Signage: Required per NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Fire Alarm Integration

• All maglocks on egress doors must release on fire alarm
• Fire alarm permit required for integration
• Testing must verify door release function

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• FARU registration: Register monitored systems even though fees suspended—penalties are severe for unregistered systems
• Standalone systems: Most commercial card access under 50V needs no permit
• PoE advantage: Power over Ethernet locks eliminate electrical permit needs
• Fire door labels: Check door labels before installing electric hardware
• Permit Center hours: Tier 1 permits only until 2:30 PM
• Documentation: Keep door schedule and hardware specs for inspections

Common Installation Scenarios

Small Office - 4 Door Card Access

Standalone system with PoE-powered locks: No permit required. FARU registration if monitored. No state license required for low voltage.

Retail Store with Fire Alarm Integration

Maglocks on exit doors with fire alarm release: Fire alarm permit required. State Fire Marshal certification needed.

Warehouse Loading Dock

Card readers and electric strikes on non-fire-rated doors: No permit if under 50V. Electrical permit only for dedicated 120V circuit.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Ohio Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Cincinnati Security Camera Permits
• Cincinnati Fire Alarm Permits
• Columbus Access Control Permits