Access Control Permit Requirements in Greensboro, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Greensboro, North Carolina typically require a low voltage electrical permit when running wiring through building structures, and may require additional building permits for door hardware modifications. Contractors need either an NC Alarm Systems License (for monitored systems) or an SP-LV license from the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. All installations must comply with NC Building Code egress requirements.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

In Greensboro, permits are generally required for access control projects involving:

• Running control wiring through walls, ceilings, or floors
• Installing electromagnetic locks (maglocks) on egress doors
• Electric strike installation requiring door frame modification
• Delayed egress systems in commercial buildings
• Integration with fire alarm systems
• Card reader and controller installations
• Multi-door commercial access control systems

Projects That May Be Exempt

• Standalone keypad locks with battery power
• Smart locks replacing standard deadbolts
• Wireless locks requiring no structural modifications
• Simple key fob systems without building integration

Even exempt projects must comply with NC Building Code means of egress requirements. Contact Greensboro Engineering and Inspections at (336) 373-2096 to confirm permit requirements for your specific installation.

North Carolina Contractor Licensing Requirements

Access control installation in North Carolina involves multiple licensing considerations depending on the system type:

Option 1: NC Alarm Systems License (Monitored Systems)

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board licenses contractors who install monitored access control systems. This includes systems that transmit data in real-time to on-site or off-site monitoring locations.

Requirements include:

• Two years of experience OR completion of Certified Alarm Technician Level I course
• Background check and personal references
• Must also hold NC SP-LV license or work under a qualifying agent who does

Option 2: SP-LV License (Low Voltage Systems)

The NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues the SP-LV license for low voltage installations including access control wiring and non-monitored systems.

Option 3: Locksmith License (Non-Monitored Hardware)

The NC Locksmith Licensing Board regulates installers of locking devices that only record entry/exit data without real-time monitoring. This includes standalone electronic locks and credential readers without central monitoring.

Note: General contractors licensed under NC Chapter 87 may be exempt when access control work is part of a larger construction project within the scope of their license.

For complete licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.

Greensboro Permit Application Process

The City of Greensboro processes access control permits through the Engineering and Inspections Department:

Step 1: Determine Permit Types Needed

Access control projects may require multiple permits:

• Low Voltage/Electrical Permit: For wiring and controller installation
• Building Permit: For door frame modifications or hardware changes
• Fire Permit: If integrating with fire alarm systems for door release

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Floor plans showing door locations and controller placements
• Wiring diagrams and riser drawings
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Egress compliance documentation for electromagnetic locks
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit Application

Applications can be submitted:

• Online: City of Greensboro Permits Portal
• In Person: Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401
• Phone: (336) 373-2096

Step 4: Inspection

Schedule inspection when installation is complete. Inspectors verify proper installation, egress compliance, and fire alarm integration.

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	Processing Time
Residential Low Voltage	$50 - $100	1-3 business days
Small Commercial (1-4 doors)	$100 - $200	3-5 business days
Large Commercial System	$200 - $400+	5-10 business days
Systems with Fire Integration	Additional $125+	May require fire marshal review

Exact fees depend on project scope. Contact Greensboro Engineering and Inspections for specific quotes.

NC Building Code Egress Requirements

All access control installations on egress doors must comply with NC Building Code Chapter 10 - Means of Egress. This is critical for electromagnetic locks and delayed egress systems:

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

• Must release upon loss of power (fail-safe operation)
• Must release upon fire alarm activation
• Request-to-exit (REX) devices required on egress side
• Cannot impede free egress during emergencies

Delayed Egress System Requirements

When approved, delayed egress locks must comply with these NC Building Code requirements:

• Maximum delay of 15 seconds (30 seconds where approved)
• Physical effort to exit must not exceed 3 seconds to initiate release
• Audible signal must activate when egress is initiated
• Must deactivate upon loss of power
• Must be deactivatable from fire command center or approved location
• Egress path cannot pass through more than one delayed egress system

Manual Unlocking Device

Doors with access control must have manual unlocking capability:

• Located 40 to 48 inches above floor
• Within 5 feet of secured doors
• Readily accessible and clearly marked

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

Home access control in Greensboro typically involves:

• Smart locks and keypad entry systems
• Video doorbell integration
• Gate access controls
• Garage door automation

Most residential systems are standalone and may not require permits unless running new wiring through walls.

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations require comprehensive planning:

• Card reader and biometric systems
• Multi-door networked controllers
• Integration with existing security and fire systems
• Compliance with ADA accessibility requirements
• Visitor management systems
• Time and attendance integration

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Document egress compliance: Inspectors focus heavily on means of egress - have your fail-safe documentation ready
• Coordinate with fire alarm: Any door release tied to fire alarm requires fire marshal approval
• Test REX devices: Ensure request-to-exit sensors properly release locks before inspection
• Plan for power failure: All egress door locks must fail-safe (unlock on power loss)
• Consider ADA requirements: Door operators and hardware height must meet accessibility standards
• Battery backup: Systems should maintain operation during brief power outages

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in Greensboro, NC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Greensboro, NC
• Access Control Permits in Raleigh, NC
• Access Control Permits in Charlotte, NC
• North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide