Access Control Permit Requirements in Columbus, Ohio

Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Columbus, Ohio do not require permits when operating under 50 volts. Per Columbus Code § 4113.73, standalone low-voltage security systems in residential properties (1-3 family) are exempt. Commercial systems and those integrated with fire alarms require permits and licensed contractors registered with the city.

When Are Permits Required?

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

• No permit required: Standalone card readers, keypads, and biometric devices under 50 volts
• No permit required: Battery-powered electronic locks
• No permit required: Residential access control in 1-3 family dwellings
• Permit required: Access control integrated with fire alarm door release
• Permit required: Electric strikes or maglocks on fire-rated doors
• Electrical permit required: Line voltage connections (120V) for power supplies
• Fire alarm permit required: Systems triggering fire alarm response

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a specific access control license, but related regulations apply:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

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

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work (120V power supplies, dedicated circuits)
• Experience: 5 years under licensed contractor
• Examination: Business and Law exam plus trade exam
• 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
• Individual fee: $35 original, $40 renewal

Columbus Local Registration

Per Columbus contractor requirements:

• City Registration: Required for all trade contractors
• Business License: Columbus business license required
• Documentation: State licenses and insurance on file

Columbus Permit Application Process

When permits are required for fire-integrated access control:

Step 1: Submit Application Online

Apply through the Columbus Online Permit Portal.

Step 2: Required Documents

• System layout showing door locations and device types
• Door schedule with hardware specifications
• Fire alarm integration details
• Contractor license and registration numbers
• Product specifications for electric locks

Step 3: Fire Marshal Review

Projects affecting fire-rated assemblies require coordination with Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau.

Contact Information

Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services
111 N. Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 645-7433
Website: columbus.gov/Building-Zoning-Services

Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau
Phone: (614) 221-2345

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
Plan Review	Included in permit	10-15 business days
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
• Most residential work requires no state license for standalone systems

Commercial Access Control

• Multi-door card access systems: No permit if under 50V standalone
• Turnstiles and mantraps: May require building permit for structural
• 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 (unlock on power loss) on egress doors
• Maglocks: Require fire alarm release and emergency egress hardware
• Delayed egress: Maximum 15-second delay per Ohio Building 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

• Standalone systems: Most commercial card access under 50V needs no permit—verify no fire alarm tie-in
• Fire door identification: Check door labels before installing electric hardware
• Delayed egress: Ohio requires specific signage and 15-second maximum
• City registration: Register with Columbus before starting commercial work
• Documentation: Keep door schedule and hardware specs on-site for inspections
• Power considerations: PoE locks avoid electrical permit requirements

Common Installation Scenarios

Small Office - 4 Door Card Access

Standalone system with PoE-powered locks: No permit required. No state license required for low voltage standalone work. Register with Columbus for commercial work.

Retail Store with Fire Alarm Integration

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

Warehouse with Loading Dock Access

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

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

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