Access Control Permit Requirements in Fairfax County, Virginia
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Fairfax County requires both electrical and building permits for access control systems. Special locking systems need Fire Marshal review. Learn Virginia DCJS licensing requirements.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Fairfax County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Fairfax County requires both an electrical low voltage permit AND a building permit for all access control system installations. Special locking systems (delayed egress, electromagnetic locks) also require a fire door lock permit reviewed by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
When Are Permits Required?
Fairfax County has specific permit requirements for access control systems under the Land Development Services guidelines:
Required Permits:
- Electrical Low Voltage Permit - Required for all access control installations
- Building Permit - Required for all access or egress control systems
- Fire Door Lock Permit - Required for special locking systems (reviewed by Fire Marshal)
What Qualifies as Special Locking Systems:
- Delayed egress locking devices
- Electromagnetic locks on fire doors
- Access control affecting egress paths
- Latching systems on rated doors
- Systems in smoke-protected construction
Exemptions (No Permit Required):
Low voltage (50 volts maximum) wiring that does NOT:
- Connect to fire protection systems
- Function as access or egress control
- Locate in plenum spaces
- Penetrate fire-rated or smoke-protected construction
Important: Access control systems are explicitly NOT exempt under the low voltage exemption. They always require permits.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Site plans showing access point locations
- Door hardware schedules identifying normal locks vs special locks
- Wiring diagrams and system specifications
- Contractor FIDO-issued Contractor ID number
- BPOL certificate if required
Step 2: Submit Through PLUS Portal
- Access PLUS (Permit, Land Use, and Site)
- Submit electrical low voltage permit
- Submit building permit for access control
- Submit fire door lock permit if special locking systems included
Step 3: Plan Review
Plans are reviewed to identify all special locking systems. Door hardware schedules must clearly distinguish normal locks from special locks using standardized details.
Step 4: Amendments for Deviations
Any deviations from approved plans for special locking systems require an amendment record to the parent building record.
Contact Information:
Fairfax County Land Development Services
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 334
Fairfax, VA 22035
Phone: (703) 222-0801
Office of the Fire Marshal
Fire Door Lock Permits: (703) 324-1555
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Access control contractors in Fairfax County must hold proper licensing from both DCJS and DPOR:
DCJS Electronic Security Business License
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires licensing for any business that:
- Sells electronic security equipment to end users
- Installs, services, maintains, or designs electronic security systems
- Responds to electronic security equipment
- Has access to confidential security system information
Business License Requirements:
- Physical Virginia address (not PO Box) where records are maintained
- Designated compliance agent who is certified or eligible for certification
- Background checks for principals, supervisors, and employees
- Entry-level and biennial in-service training for personnel
Employee Registration Requirements:
| Role | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Electronic Security Technician | DCJS registration, background check, training certification |
| Technician Assistant | Registration, supervision by licensed technician, no direct connections |
| Sales Representative | Registration required for system sales |
DPOR Contractor License
The Virginia DPOR requires contractor licensing for electrical work:
- Class A, B, or C license based on project value
- ESC (Electronic/Communication Service) specialty for low voltage
- ELE (Electrical) specialty for systems over 50 volts
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.
Permit Fees and Timeline
| Permit Type | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Low Voltage Permit | $85-$150 | 3-5 business days |
| Building Permit (Access Control) | Based on project value | 5-10 business days |
| Fire Door Lock Permit | Additional fee applies | Concurrent with Fire Marshal review |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Schedule after installation |
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Installations
- Simple keypad or card reader systems typically require electrical permit only
- No special locking permits for standard residential doors
- DCJS-licensed contractor still required
- HOA approval may be needed for exterior modifications
Commercial Installations
- Building permit required for all access control
- Fire door lock permit for egress-related hardware
- ADA compliance for door operators and access points
- Integration with fire alarm may require additional permits
- Door hardware schedules required on plans
Special Locking System Requirements
When installing special locking systems in Fairfax County:
Documentation Required:
- Standardized details on building plans identifying special vs normal locks
- Door hardware schedules with complete specifications
- Egress analysis showing code compliance
- Fire alarm integration documentation
Fire Marshal Review:
- All special locking systems undergo Fire Marshal review
- Delayed egress devices must comply with NFPA and IBC requirements
- Electromagnetic locks on fire doors require fail-safe design
- Acceptance testing by Fire Marshal before occupancy
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
Plan for multiple permits. Fairfax County requires separate electrical and building permits for access control. Budget time for both review processes and coordinate submittals to avoid delays.
Identify special locks early. During design phase, determine which doors qualify as special locking systems. This triggers Fire Marshal involvement and additional permit requirements. Surprises during plan review cause delays.
Use standardized door schedules. Fairfax County specifically requires door hardware schedules that distinguish normal locks from special locks using standardized details. Non-compliant schedules get returned for revision.
Coordinate with building permits. Access control amendments to special locking systems must reflect in the parent building record. Keep all permits aligned to avoid inspection issues.
Get DCJS compliance sorted first. Virginia electronic security licensing has strict requirements including physical Virginia address and background-checked employees. Ensure full compliance before bidding Fairfax County projects.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Fairfax County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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