Access Control Permit Requirements in Denver, Colorado

Quick Answer: Yes, Denver requires dedicated access control permits for installing or modifying electronic access control systems and electric locking hardware. Permits are submitted through Denver's ePermits portal, and all work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed Access Control System Supervisor.

When Are Access Control Permits Required in Denver?

Denver requires an access control permit when:

• Installing a new access control system
• Installing electric locking systems
• Modifying an existing system or electric lock in any building

Exterior Systems: An access control permit is also required for exterior access control systems when any of these conditions apply:

• The system limits or affects occupants' ability to reach the public right-of-way or safe dispersal area
• The system limits or restricts the use of an accessible route into the building
• The system is interfaced and connected with the building's fire alarm system
• The system is interfaced and connected to the building's elevator system

Work Covered by Access Control Permits

An access control system contractor may perform work including:

• Delayed egress systems
• Telephone entry systems
• Electric door strikes
• Electromagnetic locking hardware (mag locks)
• Electrified locksets
• Electrically operated panic hardware
• Card readers
• Controllers
• Power supplies not hardwired to building electrical supply
• Other access control equipment

Voltage Limitation: Voltages shall not exceed 48 volts, or the system shall be power-limited as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Denver has specific licensing requirements for access control work:

License Type	Requirement	Purpose
Access Control System Supervisor Certificate	Required	All work must be performed under supervision of certificate holder
Access Control System Contractor License	Required	Business license to perform access control work
Denver Contractor Registration	Required	General business registration with the city

Note: Colorado does not have a statewide low voltage contractor license requirement, but Denver has local licensing requirements that must be met. Visit Denver CPD Electrical Certificates for licensing information.

Application Requirements

Your access control permit application must include plans that clearly indicate:

• All doors that have mechanical free egress
• Location of all equipment (doors, card readers, emergency lighting, power supply, controller, exit signs)
• Path of egress travel to an exit

Required Documentation

• Door and Hardware Schedule: Specifies type and size of each door along with hardware type
• Fire Rating Details: When installation penetrates fire-rated assemblies, provide details for maintaining the fire rating
• Sequence of Operations: Detailed narrative describing system sequence of operations for each door configuration
• One-Line Diagram: System design including power, battery backup, and interconnections with burglar alarm, fire alarm, or elevator control systems
• Point-to-Point Wiring Details: All connections including interconnections to power distribution, fire alarm, and elevator control systems

Designer Requirements

Drawings must be prepared under the direction and control of either:

• A licensed access control system contractor or licensed access control system supervisor (must provide original signature, date, and license number on each drawing sheet)
• A Colorado licensed design professional (PE)

Permit Application Process

1. Create Account: Register at Denver ePermits
2. Submit Application: Complete the access control permit application online
3. Upload Documents: Attach all required plans, schedules, and diagrams
4. Pay Plan Review Fee: Application enters queue upon payment
5. Plan Review: Receive application tracking number and await review
6. Approval or Revision: If denied, written comments describing reasons provided
7. Pay Permit Fee: Permit issued upon payment of Access Control Permit fee
8. Schedule Inspection: Request final inspection through the portal

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Plan Review Fee	$100-$250	Paid at application submission
Access Control Permit Fee	$150-$350	Paid after plan approval
Re-inspection Fee	$75-$150	If corrections needed

Timeline Estimates:

• Standard plan review: 2-3 weeks
• Complex projects with fire alarm/elevator integration: 4-6 weeks

Special Requirements

Fire-Rated Door Modifications

When a fire-rated door/frame is shop modified to accommodate access control installation:

• Documentation must be provided showing modifications performed
• Documentation must identify the shop that performed the work
• All modifications must be performed by a shop approved by the listing and labeling agency as an approved fabricator

Work Requiring Other Contractors

Certain work is NOT covered by the access control permit:

• Fire Alarm Circuits: Must be performed by an electrical signal contractor (fire alarm contractor) or electrical registration contractor
• Elevator Control Circuits: Must be performed by an elevator contractor with a separate elevator permit

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Single-family homes with basic smart locks typically do not require permits
• Multi-family residential (apartments, condos) with building-wide access control require permits
• Gate and parking access systems in residential complexes require permits

Commercial Access Control

• All commercial access control installations require permits
• Special attention to egress requirements in commercial buildings
• ADA compliance required for accessible routes
• Integration with fire alarm and elevator systems requires coordination with other contractors

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Complete documentation is critical: Missing items result in rejection and delays—include all required schedules and diagrams upfront
• Coordinate with other trades early: If your system integrates with fire alarm or elevators, establish communication with those contractors before permit submission
• Understand egress requirements: Denver prioritizes life safety—ensure your design maintains mechanical free egress at all times
• Fire-rated door modifications: Use only approved fabricators for any modifications to fire-rated assemblies
• Get licensed locally: Even though Colorado doesn't require statewide licensing, Denver's local requirements are strict

Contact Information

Denver Community Planning and Development
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 865-2700
Website: denvergov.org/cpd

ePermits Portal: denvergov.org/epermits

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor Licensing Guide
• Denver Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Denver Fire Alarm Permit Requirements