Access Control Permit Requirements in Cobb County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Cobb County requires low voltage permits for commercial access control installations. The permit fee is $100 minimum. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license. Systems with electromagnetic locks must comply with Georgia Building Code egress requirements and integrate with fire alarm systems where required.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control in Cobb County?

Access control systems in unincorporated Cobb County typically require low voltage permits, especially for commercial installations.

Projects Requiring Permits

• Electromagnetic locks: Maglocks require fire alarm integration and egress compliance
• Electric strikes: Commercial door hardware modifications
• Card access systems: New commercial access control installations
• Gate operators: Vehicular gate access systems
• Fire alarm integration: Access control tied to building fire alarm

Potentially Exempt Work

• Standalone wireless locks
• Software upgrades to existing systems
• Credential programming
• Like-for-like reader replacements

Cobb County Permit Process

How to Apply

Submit permit applications through the Cobb County Citizen Access Portal or email documents to subpermits@cobbcounty.gov.

Permit Fees

Permit Type	Fee
Low Voltage Permit	$100 minimum
Electrical Permit	$100

Contact Information

Cobb County Community Development
Building and Development
1150 Powder Springs St
Marietta, GA 30064
Email: subpermits@cobbcounty.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Georgia Building Code Egress Requirements

Access control with electromagnetic locks must comply with Georgia Building Code egress requirements:

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Requirement	Details
Fail-safe	Door unlocks upon power loss
Fire alarm integration	Unlock upon fire alarm activation
Remain unlocked	Until fire alarm reset
Manual release	REX button within 5 feet, 40-48 inches AFF
Unlock duration	Minimum 30 seconds

Occupancy Restrictions

Entrance doors in Group A, B, E, or M occupancies cannot be secured from egress side when open to the public.

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage license under O.C.G.A. 43-14:

License	Code	Access Control Work
Unrestricted	LVU	All access control permitted
Alarm	LVA	Access control with alarm integration
General	LVG	Basic access control

For licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems in Cobb County:

• Fire alarm work requires NICET certification (see Cobb County fire alarm requirements)
• Electromagnetic locks must release on fire alarm activation
• Coordinate with licensed fire alarm contractor
• Documentation must be signed by NICET-certified personnel

Pro Tips from Georgia Access Control Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm county vs. city before starting
• Coordinate fire alarm: NICET requirements apply to fire alarm integration
• Document egress: Photograph all REX devices and releases
• Test thoroughly: Verify fire alarm release and power failure operation
• Use online portal: Submit through Citizen Access for faster processing

Cities Within Cobb County

City	Notes
Marietta	Contact city building department
Smyrna	Contact city building department
Kennesaw	Contact city building department
Acworth	Contact city building department

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Gwinnett County, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia