Access Control Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Fulton County typically requires low voltage permits for commercial access control installations, especially systems involving electromagnetic locks or integration with fire alarm systems. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVA, LVG, or LVU). Systems must comply with Georgia Building Code egress requirements and ADA accessibility standards.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control in Fulton County?

Access control permit requirements in Fulton County depend on the scope of work and the type of locking hardware involved. Understanding these requirements helps ensure code compliance and avoids project delays.

Projects That Typically Require Permits

• Electromagnetic locks: Maglocks require coordination with fire alarm and egress code compliance
• Electric strikes and latch retraction: Commercial door hardware modifications
• Fire alarm integration: Any access control tied to building fire alarm system
• New electrical circuits: Running dedicated power for access control panels
• Structural modifications: Door frame modifications, wall penetrations, or conduit runs
• ADA compliance work: Automatic door operators or accessibility modifications
• Gate operators: Vehicular gate access systems

Potentially Exempt Work

• Standalone card readers using existing infrastructure
• Wireless locks with battery power
• Software-only upgrades to existing systems
• Credential programming and enrollment
• Like-for-like reader replacements

Important: Fulton County encompasses multiple municipalities including Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, South Fulton, and Milton. Each has separate permitting processes. This guide covers unincorporated Fulton County. Always verify jurisdiction before beginning work.

Georgia Building Code Egress Requirements

Access control systems must comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code with Georgia amendments. Egress requirements are critical for any locking hardware.

General Egress Principles

Georgia Building Code Section 1010.1.9 requires that egress doors be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key, special knowledge, or effort. Any access control hardware must maintain this principle.

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Electromagnetic locks (maglocks) have specific code requirements per Georgia Building Code Chapter 10:

Requirement	Details
Fail-safe operation	Door must unlock upon loss of power
Fire alarm integration	Must unlock upon fire alarm activation until manually reset
Request-to-exit	Push button within 5 feet, 40-48 inches AFF, marked "PUSH TO EXIT"
Unlock duration	Minimum 30 seconds after REX activation
Hardware release	Panic hardware must directly interrupt maglock power
UL listing	UL 294 listing required by current codes

Occupancy Restrictions

Electromagnetic locks are not permitted in all occupancy types. Check Georgia Building Code and Life Safety Code requirements for:

• Assembly (A) occupancies
• Educational (E) occupancies
• Healthcare (I) occupancies
• High-hazard (H) occupancies

ADA Accessibility Requirements

Access control hardware must comply with the Georgia Accessibility Code:

Hardware Requirements

• Mounting height: Operating devices between 34 and 48 inches above finished floor
• Operation: Must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
• Force: Maximum 5 lbf to operate door hardware
• Clear width: Maintain required door clear width

Card Reader Placement

• Mount readers within accessible reach range
• Provide adequate maneuvering clearance
• Consider users with mobility devices
• Keypad buttons must be tactile

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires contractor licensing for access control work under O.C.G.A. 43-14.

License Types for Access Control

License	Code	Access Control Work
Unrestricted	LVU	All access control permitted
Alarm	LVA	Access control with alarm integration
General	LVG	Basic access control (non-alarm)
Telecommunications	LVT	Network-only components

License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year in the license category
• Documentation: Detailed work history and employer affidavits
• References: 3 letters including one from licensed contractor
• Examination: Pass state exam with 70% or higher
• Application: Submit through Georgia GOALS portal

For detailed licensing information, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Fulton County Permit Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

First, confirm whether the project address is in:

• Unincorporated Fulton County (contact County Public Works)
• A municipality (contact that city building department)

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For access control permits, prepare:

• Site plan showing door locations and reader placement
• Riser diagram for system architecture
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Egress compliance documentation
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
• ADA compliance verification

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through the appropriate channel:

• Unincorporated Fulton County: Fulton County Permits
• City of South Fulton: SagesGov online portal
• Other municipalities: Contact local building department

Step 4: Inspections

Schedule required inspections:

• Rough-in: Before concealing wiring
• Final: System operational with egress verification
• Fire alarm: If integrated with building fire alarm

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems, additional requirements apply:

Required Integration Points

• Electromagnetic locks must release on fire alarm activation
• Doors must remain unlocked until fire alarm is manually reset
• Fire alarm contractor may need to make connections
• Documentation of integration required

Coordination Requirements

• Sequence of operations document
• Fire marshal approval may be required
• Acceptance testing with witnessed fire alarm activation
• As-built drawings showing integration points

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Range	Notes
Low Voltage Permit	Based on valuation	Varies by jurisdiction
Plan Review	Varies	Required for complex systems
Inspection Fee	Included or separate	Depends on jurisdiction
Fire Marshal Review	Additional fee	If fire alarm integration

Processing Time: Standard permits typically process within 5-10 business days. Projects requiring fire marshal review may take longer.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Generally simpler permit requirements
• Smart locks and video doorbells typically exempt
• Gate operators may require permits
• Georgia low voltage license still required for hired work

Commercial Access Control

• Permits typically required for electromagnetic locks
• Egress code compliance mandatory
• ADA accessibility verification needed
• Fire alarm integration common
• Higher documentation requirements

Pro Tips from Georgia Access Control Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Confirm whether address is county or municipal before quoting
• Coordinate with door hardware: Work with locksmith or door hardware supplier early
• Document egress compliance: Photograph all REX devices and emergency releases
• Fire alarm coordination: Identify fire alarm contractor early if integration required
• Test all scenarios: Verify fire alarm release, power failure release, and REX operation
• Train end users: Ensure facility staff understand emergency release procedures
• Label everything: Clear labeling prevents confusion during emergencies
• Consider future expansion: Install spare reader cables and door contacts

Municipal Contacts in Fulton County

Municipality	Building Department
Atlanta	Office of Buildings
Sandy Springs	Community Development
Roswell	Building Inspections
Johns Creek	Community Development
Alpharetta	Community Development
South Fulton	Community Development
Milton	Community Development

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Augusta, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia