Access Control Permit Requirements in Davis County, Utah
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Complete guide to access control permit requirements in Davis County, Utah. Learn about building permits, Utah contractor licensing, fees, and inspection requirements.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Davis County, Utah
Installing access control systems in Davis County requires understanding both local building permit requirements and Utah state licensing rules. Davis County's Community and Economic Development Department handles permits for unincorporated areas, while individual cities like Farmington, Layton, and Bountiful have their own permitting processes.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?
Generally yes for new installations involving electrical work. Davis County requires permits for any work on electrical systems, which includes most access control installations. Low-voltage systems under 25 volts may be exempt, but installations involving door hardware, electric strikes, or integration with fire alarm systems typically require permits.
What Access Control Work Requires a Permit in Davis County?
According to Davis County Community and Economic Development, permits are required for electrical system work. The following access control work may trigger permit requirements:
- Installing new access control panels or controllers
- Running new wiring for card readers, keypads, or biometric devices
- Installing electric door strikes, magnetic locks, or automated door operators
- Any work that modifies existing electrical circuits
- Access control systems integrated with fire alarm systems
- Commercial access control installations with multiple doors
- Systems requiring structural modifications
When Is a Permit NOT Required?
Some minor access control work may be exempt from permits:
- Low-voltage systems operating under 25 volts and 50 watts
- Replacing existing access control devices with equivalent equipment
- Installing standalone battery-powered smart locks
- Programming changes to existing systems
- Adding users or credentials to existing systems
Contact Davis County Community and Economic Development at (801) 451-3279 to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit.
Do You Need a License to Install Access Control in Utah?
Yes. Utah requires contractors performing access control work to hold appropriate licensing from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Requirements include:
- Low Voltage License: Required for systems operating up to 95 volts
- Burglar Alarm Company License: Required for access control systems that integrate with alarm monitoring
- Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
- Experience: Four years of experience in the low voltage field
- Examination: Pass a written exam covering fire alarms, access control, video surveillance, security systems, and structured cabling
- Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years
For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.
How to Apply for an Access Control Permit in Davis County
- Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in unincorporated Davis County (cities have their own processes)
- Submit application online: Use the Davis County online permit portal
- Complete application: Include project details and scope of work
- Submit required documents: Plans showing device locations, wiring routes, and door hardware specifications
- Pay permit fees
- Schedule inspections after installation is complete
Required Documentation
- Building permit application
- Site plan showing all access points and device locations
- Wiring diagrams for the access control system
- Equipment specifications and cut sheets
- Contractor license verification
- For commercial projects: Detailed electrical drawings
What Are the Permit Fees in Davis County?
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Minimum permit (single inspection) | $202 |
| Electrical permit with plan review | $250+ |
| Commercial permit | Varies by project scope |
| Re-inspection fee | $50+ |
Fees vary based on project scope. Contact Davis County for exact quotes.
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Residential permit approval | 1-3 business days |
| Commercial plan review | 5-10 business days |
| Inspection scheduling | 1-2 business days |
| Final inspection | Same day if passed |
Residential vs Commercial Access Control Permits
Residential Projects
Home access control installations are generally straightforward:
- Many residential systems are permit-exempt (battery-powered, low-voltage)
- Simpler permit process when permits are required
- Lower fees than commercial projects
- Systems typically include smart locks, video intercoms, and single-door access points
Commercial Projects
Commercial access control installations have additional requirements:
- More detailed plan review process
- Fire code compliance for access-controlled egress doors
- ADA compliance for door hardware and automatic operators
- Integration requirements with fire alarm systems for door release
- Emergency power and fail-safe/fail-secure considerations
Fire Code and Egress Requirements
Access control on egress doors must comply with fire and life safety codes:
- Fire alarm integration: Access-controlled doors on egress paths must release upon fire alarm activation
- Power failure: Doors must fail in a safe manner (typically fail-unlocked for egress)
- Request-to-exit devices: Required on the interior side of locked egress doors
- Delayed egress: Maximum 15-second delay with specific code requirements
Coordinate with both building inspectors and fire officials for commercial projects.
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Verify jurisdiction first: Cities within Davis County have different requirements than unincorporated areas
- Document existing conditions: Photos of existing doors and electrical panels help during plan review
- Coordinate with fire alarm: For commercial projects, ensure access control integrates properly with existing fire alarm systems
- ADA compliance: Automatic door operators must meet accessibility requirements
- Plan for inspections: Don't cover wiring until rough-in inspection is complete
Davis County Contact Information
- Department: Community and Economic Development
- Address: 61 S Main Street, Room 304, Farmington, UT 84025
- Phone: (801) 451-3279
- Website: daviscountyutah.gov/ced/planning/building-permits
- Online Payments: Online Permit Payment
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Davis County before they reach bid boards?
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