Access Control Permit Requirements in Erie County, New York

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Erie County require a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License. Building permits may be needed for door hardware modifications, electrical work, or structural changes. All electronic locking systems must comply with New York State Building Code egress requirements to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies.

Understanding Erie County's Access Control Requirements

Erie County, which includes Buffalo and surrounding municipalities like Amherst, Cheektowaga, and Tonawanda, follows New York State regulations for access control installations. The key requirements involve state licensing for installers and compliance with building and fire codes for electronic door hardware.

When Permits Are Required

Permits may be required in Erie County for access control projects when:

• Door modifications - Installing electric strikes, magnetic locks, or automatic door operators
• Electrical work - Running new circuits or power for access control panels
• Fire alarm integration - Connecting access control to fire alarm release systems
• Structural changes - Modifying door frames, walls, or creating new openings
• Commercial new construction - Access control included in overall building permit

When Permits May Not Be Required

Permit exemptions typically apply for:

• Standalone card readers using existing power and network
• Keypad additions to existing door hardware
• Software and credential programming changes
• Like-for-like replacement of existing access control components
• Low voltage wiring in residential single-family homes (varies by municipality)

Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

New York State Licensing Requirements

The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) requires licensing for access control system installation.

What the License Covers

The NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License covers:

• Electronic access control systems (card readers, keypads, biometric devices)
• Electric strikes and magnetic locks
• Video intercom systems
• CCTV systems used for security monitoring
• Burglar alarm systems
• Fire alarm systems

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved coursework including access control module
Experience	Minimum 2 years (3,500 hours) in security system installation
Examination	State exam covering access control, CCTV, alarms, and codes
Application fee	$185 (after exam) or $200 (without exam)
Fingerprinting	Background check required
License term	2 years, renewable

Training Topics

The 81-hour course includes modules on:

• Basic electricity
• Standards and codes
• Access control systems
• CCTV systems
• Motion detection
• Perimeter systems
• Fire technology
• Job planning and safety

Master Electrician Exemption

Licensed Master Electricians may install access control systems without obtaining the Security/Fire Alarm Installer License, but must register with the Secretary of State and work only within municipalities where they hold their Master Electrician license.

For complete licensing details, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Building Code Egress Requirements

All access control installations in Erie County must comply with New York State Building Code egress requirements. Improperly installed electronic locks can create life safety hazards.

General Egress Principles

According to the New York State Building Code:

• Egress doors must be readily openable from the egress side without keys or special knowledge
• Electronic locks must fail-safe (unlock on power loss)
• Fire alarm activation must automatically release all electronic locks on egress doors

Electromagnetically Locked Doors

Magnetic locks on egress doors require:

• Motion sensor - Installed on egress side to detect approaching occupants
• Manual release - "Push to Exit" button mounted 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of door
• Fire alarm integration - Automatic unlock upon fire alarm activation
• Power loss release - Doors must unlock upon loss of power
• 30-second unlock - Manual release must keep door unlocked for minimum 30 seconds
• UL 294 listing - Locking system must be listed per UL 294

Delayed Egress Systems

Delayed egress locks (15-second delay maximum) are permitted in certain occupancies:

• Allowed: Business, mercantile, storage, industrial occupancies
• Not allowed: Assembly (A), Educational (E), High-hazard (H) occupancies
• Requirements: Building must have automatic sprinkler or fire detection system
• Maximum delay: 15 seconds after 3 seconds of applied force
• Audible signal: Must sound when egress attempt initiates
• Fire release: Must deactivate upon sprinkler or fire alarm activation

Municipality Contacts in Erie County

Municipality	Department	Phone
City of Buffalo	Permits & Inspection Services	(716) 851-4944
City of Buffalo	ePermits Support	(716) 851-5450
Town of Cheektowaga	Building Department	(716) 686-3469
Town of Amherst	Building Department	(716) 631-7050
Town of Tonawanda	Building Department	(716) 877-8805
City of Lackawanna	Code Enforcement	(716) 827-6464

Buffalo offers online permitting through their ePermits portal.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Cost	Timeline
Low voltage/electrical permit	$50-$200	1-5 business days
Plan review (commercial)	$75-$150	5-10 business days
Online permit convenience fee	$2	Immediate
NYS installer license	$185-$200	4-8 weeks processing
81-hour training course	$800-$1,500	2-4 weeks

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Installations

For single-family homes in Erie County:

• Smart locks and keypads often don't require permits
• Low voltage wiring may be exempt in some municipalities
• Electrical permits needed for new circuits
• Consider using NYS-licensed installer for complex systems

Commercial Installations

For offices, retail, and commercial properties:

• Must use NYS-licensed contractor
• Building permits typically required for door hardware
• Fire alarm integration requires coordination with fire marshal
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• Annual inspection and testing documentation recommended

Application Process

Step 1: System Design

• Engage a NYS-licensed security contractor
• Design system compliant with egress requirements
• Specify fire alarm integration points
• Document door hardware modifications

Step 2: Permit Application

• Submit application to local building department
• Include door schedules and hardware specifications
• Provide contractor license documentation
• Pay applicable fees

Step 3: Installation

• Install per approved plans and manufacturer specifications
• Verify egress compliance at each door
• Test fire alarm integration
• Document all programming and credentials

Step 4: Inspection

• Schedule inspection with building department
• Demonstrate egress functionality
• Show fire alarm release operation
• Provide as-built documentation

Pro Tips from Erie County Contractors

• Prioritize egress compliance - Life safety requirements are non-negotiable; design around them first
• Coordinate with fire alarm contractor - Integration must be seamless for code compliance
• Document door hardware - Keep specifications for electric strikes, mag locks, and power supplies
• Test fail-safe operation - Verify every door releases properly on power loss and fire alarm
• Plan for Buffalo winters - Outdoor readers and hardware must withstand lake-effect conditions
• Use UL 294 listed equipment - Code requires listed locking systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Buffalo Access Control Permit Requirements
• Rochester Access Control Permit Requirements
• Syracuse Access Control Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Building codes and requirements change. Always verify current egress requirements with your local building department and fire marshal before starting work.