Access Control Permit Requirements in Fayette County, Kentucky

Installing access control systems in Fayette County means working with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG)—the merged city-county government administering building codes across the jurisdiction. From simple card readers to enterprise biometric systems, understanding local requirements keeps projects compliant and on schedule.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Standalone electronic access control systems that don't affect building electrical infrastructure often don't require permits. However, systems with electrified door hardware requiring electrical work, fire alarm integration, or structural modifications do require LFUCG permits.

When Are Access Control Permits Required?

LFUCG generally requires permits when access control work involves:

• New electrical circuits for access control equipment
• Electrified door hardware (magnetic locks, electric strikes)
• Integration with fire alarm systems for door release
• Modifications to emergency egress pathways
• Structural changes for door frames or mounting
• Large commercial installations with multiple control panels

Work that typically does NOT require permits:

• Standalone card readers on existing doors
• Low-voltage wiring to existing powered doors
• Software and programming changes
• Credential management and user provisioning
• Battery backup replacements

What Licenses Do You Need in Kentucky?

Kentucky has favorable requirements for access control contractors:

• No State Electrical License Required: Per KRS § 227A.030, low-voltage work under 50 volts is exempt from electrical licensing
• LFUCG Occupational License: All businesses operating in Fayette County need a valid occupational license
• Insurance: General liability and workers' comp insurance required for commercial work

For fire alarm integration work, Kentucky State Fire Marshal licensing may apply. See our Kentucky Low Voltage Contractor License Guide for details.

How Do You Apply for Access Control Permits?

When permits are required, apply through LFUCG:

1. Determine Permit Type: Electrical permit for power work, low-voltage permit for control wiring
2. Access Portal: Visit LFUCG Permits Portal
3. Submit Application: Complete the appropriate permit application
4. Provide Documentation:
   • System diagrams showing reader locations
   • Door schedules with hardware specifications
   • Power requirements and circuit loads
   • Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
5. Pay Fees: Based on project scope
6. Schedule Inspections: Coordinate rough-in and final inspections

Contact Information

LFUCG Division of Building Inspection
101 E. Vine Street, Suite 700
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 258-3770

What Are the Permit Fees?

Permit Type	Fee Range
Low-Voltage Permit	$50 - $100
Electrical Permit	$75 - $200
Commercial Combined	$150 - $400
Plan Review (large projects)	Additional 50%

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Project Type	Timeline
Simple Low-Voltage Permit	1-3 business days
Electrical Permit	3-5 business days
Commercial with Plan Review	2-4 weeks
Fire Alarm Integration	3-6 weeks

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

Home installations in Fayette County have minimal permit requirements:

• Smart locks and video doorbells rarely need permits
• Gate operators may need electrical permits
• Intercom systems generally permit-exempt
• HOA rules may apply in some neighborhoods

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations have additional considerations:

• ADA compliance for accessible hardware
• Fire code requirements for egress doors
• Integration with building fire alarm systems
• Emergency release and fail-safe/fail-secure requirements
• Coordination with property management and fire marshal

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control interfaces with fire alarms for door release, LFUCG requires:

• Fire marshal review of integration design
• Proper relay isolation between systems
• Documentation of fail-safe operation during fire
• Testing to verify doors release on alarm activation
• Annual inspection documentation

Historic District Considerations

Fayette County has historic districts where exterior modifications need additional review:

• Downtown Lexington Historic District
• Ashland Park Historic District
• Gratz Park Historic District

For properties in these areas, exterior access control hardware may require Board of Architectural Review approval.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check Door Hardware First: Verify existing doors can accept electrified hardware before quoting
• Coordinate with Fire Marshal: For egress door projects, involve the Fire Marshal early
• Historic Properties: Verify historic district status before exterior work
• Document Everything: Keep wiring diagrams and programming records
• Know Your Fail Modes: Document fail-safe vs. fail-secure decisions for each door

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Fayette County

• Security Camera Permits in Fayette County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Fayette County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Fayette County

Additional Resources

• LFUCG Permits Portal
• Division of Building Inspection