Access Control Permit Requirements in Forsyth County, North Carolina
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Guide to access control permit requirements in Forsyth County, NC including means of egress compliance, contractor licensing, and building code requirements.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Forsyth County, North Carolina
Quick Answer: Forsyth County typically requires permits for access control installations involving electrical work or modifications to egress doors. Permits are handled jointly through the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division. Systems affecting means of egress must comply with NC Building Code Chapter 10 requirements.
When Are Permits Required for Access Control in Forsyth County?
Forsyth County operates a joint inspections department with the City of Winston-Salem. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division handles electrical permits throughout the county.
Permits Typically Required
- Electric strikes or magnetic locks on egress doors
- New electrical circuits for access control equipment
- Door hardware modifications affecting fire-rated assemblies
- Delayed egress locking systems
- Access control integrated with fire alarm systems
- Commercial installations as part of tenant improvements
Typically Exempt from Permits
- Standalone electronic locks on non-egress doors
- Battery-powered smart locks in residential applications
- Card readers using existing low-voltage infrastructure
- Keypad entry systems not affecting egress compliance
- Replacing existing access control hardware with similar equipment
NC Building Code Requirements for Access Control
Access control systems on egress doors must comply with the North Carolina Building Code Chapter 10 (Means of Egress):
Standard Access Control on Egress Doors
- Sensor requirement: Motion sensor on egress side to detect approaching occupants
- Automatic unlock: Doors must unlock upon sensor activation or power loss
- Manual override: Push-to-exit device required 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of door
- Clear signage: Manual device must have sign reading "PUSH TO EXIT"
- Unlock duration: Doors must remain unlocked minimum 30 seconds after manual activation
Delayed Egress Locking Systems
- Must be listed in accordance with UL 294
- Permitted on exit doors (not main exit) in sprinklered buildings
- Must deactivate upon fire alarm or sprinkler activation
- Must unlock upon loss of power
- Maximum 15-second delay in most applications
Contractor Licensing Requirements
North Carolina requires proper licensing for access control installation:
NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)
- SP-LV (Limited): Low-voltage systems including access control and electronic locks
- SP-FA/LV: Combined fire alarm and low-voltage for integrated systems
- Unlimited License: Full electrical scope includes access control work
For comprehensive licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.
Forsyth County Permit Application Process
Step 1: Verify Requirements
Contact Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division to confirm permit requirements for your specific project.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
- Access control system layout and device locations
- Door schedule identifying egress doors and hardware
- Wiring diagrams for electric locks and power supplies
- Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
- Means of egress compliance documentation
- Contractor license verification
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division:
- Fire Prevention Office: 336-703-2550 (for fire alarm integration)
- Inspections Division: Winston-Salem Planning and Development Services
Step 4: Inspection
Inspections verify:
- Proper electrical connections and grounding
- Means of egress compliance (sensors, manual overrides, signage)
- Fire alarm integration functionality
- UL listing compliance for delayed egress devices
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Estimated Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Permit (electrical) | $75 - $150 | 1-3 business days |
| Commercial Electrical Permit | Varies by scope | 3-5 business days |
| Plan Review (complex projects) | Based on project value | 5-10 business days |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Next business day |
Note: Contact Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections for current fee schedules.
Residential vs. Commercial Requirements
Residential Projects
- Smart locks and keypad entry generally exempt from permits
- Egress doors must remain openable from inside without key
- Homeowners may perform own work on owner-occupied property
Commercial Projects
- Strict means of egress compliance required
- Fire alarm integration may be mandatory
- ADA accessibility requirements for hardware heights
- Fire Marshal coordination for egress door hardware
- Licensed contractors required for electrical work
Pro Tips for Forsyth County Access Control Projects
- Joint jurisdiction: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections handles permits jointly
- Egress first: Always design around means of egress requirements
- Fire alarm coordination: Contact Fire Prevention at 336-703-2550 for integration questions
- UL 294 compliance: Use listed delayed egress hardware
- Test thoroughly: Verify fail-safe/fail-secure configurations before inspection
- Consider ADA: Mount readers and keypads at accessible heights (48 inches max)
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Forsyth County before they reach bid boards?
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