Access Control Permit Requirements in Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Installing access control systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania requires understanding local permit requirements and ADA compliance standards. This guide covers what contractors and property owners need to know across the county's municipalities.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Low-voltage access control wiring alone typically doesn't require permits in most Delaware County municipalities. However, projects involving electrical work, structural modifications, or fire alarm integration will require permits.

When Permits Are Required

Access control permits are typically required when:

• Installing new electrical circuits for equipment
• Modifying door frames or structural elements
• Integrating with fire alarm systems for emergency release
• Installing electric strikes or magnetic locks requiring power
• Commercial projects with extensive wiring
• Projects penetrating fire-rated assemblies

When Permits Are NOT Required

Under Pennsylvania UCC Section 403.42, certain work is exempt:

• Standalone keypad locks with battery power
• Smart locks replacing existing hardware
• Low-voltage wiring within existing pathways
• Minor repairs to existing systems
• Like-for-like equipment replacements
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5'9" height

Important: Always verify with your local building department before assuming an exemption applies.

Pennsylvania Contractor Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide access control contractor license. However:

• Home Improvement Registration: Required for residential work over $500 through the PA Attorney General's Office
• Municipal Business License: Some Delaware County townships require local contractor registration
• Electrical License: May be required if work involves line voltage connections
• Insurance: Liability coverage typically required

For detailed statewide requirements, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

Delaware County municipalities follow the Pennsylvania UCC based on the International Building Code. Key points:

• State adopted IBC 2009 as baseline
• Individual townships may enhance requirements
• Municipal permits are NOT building permits
• Only state-certified officials can issue building permits

Delaware County Municipal Permit Offices

Permits are issued at the township or borough level. Contact your project's municipality:

Municipality	Contact	Notes
Middletown Township	(610) 565-2700	PA UCC 2015 requirements
Upper Darby Township	(610) 734-7600	Licenses & Inspections
Haverford Township	(610) 446-1000	Code enforcement office
Radnor Township	(610) 688-5600	Building permits department
Springfield Township	(610) 544-1300	Township-specific codes
Marple Township	(610) 356-7440	Building department

Application Process

When permits are required:

1. Identify your municipality: Determine which township or borough
2. Contact building department: Verify specific requirements
3. Prepare documentation: Site plans, door schedules, wiring diagrams
4. Submit application: Include contractor credentials and insurance
5. Pay fees: Varies by municipality and project scope
6. Schedule inspection: Required for permitted work

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Range
Building Permit (if required)	$50-$150
Electrical Permit	$75-$175
Plan Review (commercial)	$100-$250
Processing Time	3-10 business days

ADA Compliance Requirements

All commercial access control installations must comply with ADA standards:

Mounting Heights

• Card readers and keypads: 34-48 inches from floor
• Hardware must be operable with one hand
• No tight grasping, pinching, or twisting required
• Operating force: Maximum 5 lbs

Door Requirements

• Minimum 32 inches clear width
• 80 inches minimum height
• Threshold maximum 1/2 inch
• Closing speed: 90° to 12° in minimum 5 seconds

Electronic Access Credentials

• Key fobs and cards are acceptable (not considered operable parts)
• Keypads acceptable if no tight grasping required
• Lever handles preferred over round knobs

Power-Operated Doors

• Buildings with occupancy over 300 may require automatic doors (IBC 2021)
• Must comply with ANSI/BHMA standards when provided

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems:

• Fire marshal approval typically required
• Doors must release automatically during alarm
• Separate fire alarm permit may be needed
• NFPA 72 and 80 compliance required

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Typically exempt from permits for low-voltage wiring
• Contractor must be PA Home Improvement registered
• Single inspection if permit required

Commercial Access Control

• May require building permits depending on scope
• Fire marshal review if integrating with fire systems
• ADA compliance mandatory for public entrances
• Multiple inspections may be required

Pro Tips from Delaware County Contractors

• Know your township: Each municipality has different processes and fees
• Plan for ADA: Non-compliance is costly—design for accessibility from the start
• Coordinate with other trades: Access control often ties into electrical, fire alarm, and door hardware
• Document door schedules: Maintain records of all door hardware and access levels
• Test emergency release: Verify fire alarm integration works correctly
• Consider PoE: Power over Ethernet reduces electrical permit requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Pennsylvania and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Philadelphia Access Control Permits
• Montgomery County Access Control Permits
• Bucks County Access Control Permits
• Delaware County Fire Alarm Permits