Access Control Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas

Quick Answer: Fort Worth requires an Access Control Permit through the Fire Department for adding new or relocating electronic locks, egress, or ingress system devices. Applications must be submitted online through Accela CitizenAccess. Contractors must hold a Texas DPS Class D Electronic Access Control Device Company license.

Fort Worth Access Control Permit Requirements

The City of Fort Worth Fire Department requires an access control permit for installations involving electronic locks and egress control systems. This permit covers:

• Adding new electronic lock devices
• Relocating existing electronic lock devices
• Egress control systems
• Ingress system devices

Plan Submittal Requirements

A full set of plans and equipment submittal is required for new installations. When only relocating devices, you may exclude the equipment list.

Plans and Drawings Must Include

• Company name, address, and phone number
• Planner name
• Project name and address
• Symbol legend indicating device symbols and descriptions
• Location of fire alarm system interface point (if fire system exists)

Application Process

Online Submission Required

Important: The Fort Worth Fire Department no longer accepts paper/hard copy submittals of construction permit applications or plans.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Go to accela.fortworthtexas.gov/citizenaccess
2. Log in to existing account or register as a new user
3. Click on "Fire - Create Application"
4. Follow the application steps
5. Upload the completed permit application with plans/documents

Permit Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Standard Permit Fee	Varies by scope	Includes one permit, one inspection, one submittal review
Resubmittal Fee	50% of initial	For revised plans after initial review
Additional Review	$200.00 flat	Each additional plan review beyond first resubmittal
Additional Inspection	$110.00/hour	Each additional field inspection

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Licensing

Texas requires electronic access control contractors to be licensed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau.

Company Licenses

Class D - Electronic Access Control Device Company: Required for companies that install or maintain electronic access control devices.

Requirements include:

• Two consecutive years of experience in electronic access control
• Designated Company Representative who has passed the PSB examination
• Fingerprint-based background check
• Insurance and bond requirements

Class B - Combination License: Available for companies providing multiple security services including access control, alarm systems, and CCTV.

Individual Installer License

Technicians must hold an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license and be registered under a licensed company.

For complete licensing details, see our Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Building Code Compliance

Fort Worth Building Code 2021 - Means of Egress

Access control installations must comply with Fort Worth Building Code Chapter 10 (Means of Egress) requirements.

Key Egress Requirements

• Doors must be readily openable from egress side without keys, tools, or special knowledge
• Electronic locks must release upon fire alarm activation
• Loss of power must release locks on egress doors
• Emergency release hardware required (push buttons, request-to-exit devices)

Occupancy-Specific Requirements

• Group I-1, I-2 (Healthcare): Clinical staff must be able to readily unlock doors at all times
• Group R (Residential): Night latches, dead bolts, and security chains permitted on dwelling units with occupant load of 10 or less, provided openable without key or tool from inside
• Detention/Restraint: Special provisions apply for security facilities

Fire Alarm Integration

When a fire alarm system exists in the building:

• Plans must show fire alarm system interface point
• Access control must integrate with fire alarm for automatic unlock
• Integration must be tested during final inspection

Inspection Requirements

Scheduling Final Inspection

To request a final field inspection, call 817-392-6844.

What Inspectors Check

• Installation matches approved plans
• All devices functioning properly
• Fire alarm integration working (if applicable)
• Emergency egress requirements met
• Push-to-exit buttons properly located and labeled
• Fail-safe/fail-secure configuration appropriate for application

Alarm Permit Requirements

In addition to the access control permit, if the system includes alarm monitoring:

Security Alarm Permits

• Residential permit: $50/year
• Commercial permit: $100/year
• Valid for 12 months from issuance
• Multifamily tenants need individual permits for units

Alarm Operation Requirements

Permit holders must adjust alarm mechanisms so that alarm signals sound for no longer than 30 minutes after activation.

Contact Information

Fort Worth Fire Department - Access Control Permits
Inspection Line: 817-392-6844

Online Permit Portal
Accela CitizenAccess

Fort Worth Development Services - Alarm Permits
fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits/alarms

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
dps.texas.gov/section/private-security

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Register on Accela first: Create your account before you need to submit—the registration process takes time
• Include fire alarm interface: If a fire system exists, showing the interface point is required—missing this causes rejection
• Complete symbol legend: Every device type needs to be in your legend
• Budget for resubmittals: Factor in 50% resubmittal fees when bidding
• Schedule inspections strategically: Have all work 100% complete before calling for inspection
• Coordinate with fire alarm contractor: Test integration before requesting inspection
• Keep documentation: Maintain copies of approved plans on-site during installation

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas

Official Resources

• Fort Worth Access Control Permit Application (PDF)
• Fort Worth Accela CitizenAccess Portal
• Fort Worth Building Code - Means of Egress
• Texas DPS Company License Types