Access Control Permit Requirements in Greenville County, South Carolina

Installing access control systems in unincorporated Greenville County, SC? Whether you're a low voltage contractor working on a commercial building or a facility manager upgrading to keycard entry, understanding local permit and licensing requirements is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about permits, contractor licensing, and regulations for access control installations in Greenville County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope of work. Standalone access control installations that only involve low-voltage wiring typically don't require permits in Greenville County. However, systems that require new electrical circuits, fire alarm integration, or are part of larger building projects may require permits. If your system connects to alarm monitoring, you'll need to register with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

When Is a Permit Required for Access Control Systems?

Access control installations may trigger permit requirements in these situations:

• New electrical circuits: Adding 110V power for electric strikes, maglocks, or control panels requires an electrical permit
• Fire alarm integration: Access control tied to fire alarm release functions requires fire alarm submittal and permits
• New construction: Access control as part of new building construction falls under the general building permit
• Door modifications: Cutting into fire-rated doors or frames may require building permits
• Monitored alarm systems: Systems connected to central station monitoring require GCSO registration

What Typically Doesn't Require a Permit?

• Low-voltage wiring for card readers, keypads, and controllers
• Replacing existing access control components
• Standalone systems without alarm monitoring
• Door hardware that doesn't modify fire-rated assemblies

How Do You Apply for Permits in Greenville County?

If your access control installation requires permits:

1. Access the Greenville County Building Safety Department website
2. Submit permits through the eTrakit online system
3. Download the Electrical Permit Application if electrical work is required
4. Pay applicable permit fees
5. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing
6. Schedule inspections upon completion

Important: Permits become invalid after 6 months if work hasn't commenced or if no inspection has been requested.

Contact: Greenville County Building Safety | 864-467-7060 | permits@greenvillecounty.org

Do You Need a Contractor License for Access Control Work in South Carolina?

Yes, in most commercial cases. Access control installation in South Carolina typically falls under SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) security contractor licensing requirements.

SLED Security Business License Requirements

Contractors installing access control systems as part of security services must:

• Pay a $350 annual license fee to SLED
• Post a $10,000 surety bond
• Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
• Provide a certified training program or use approved training sources
• Designate a Primary Qualifying Party (owner, partner, officer, or management employee)

For complete licensing details, see our guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

When SLED Licensing May Not Apply

Some access control work may fall under different licensing:

• Installations by licensed electricians as part of electrical contracts
• IT/network-based access control without security monitoring
• Internal installations by facility maintenance staff
• Fire alarm integration work (requires SCCLB fire alarm contractor license)

Contact SLED Regulatory Services at reglicense@sled.sc.gov to clarify requirements for your specific situation.

Alarm Registration with the Sheriff's Office

If your access control system includes monitoring or alarm features, registration is required with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office under Ordinance No. 3354:

• Registration fee: $10 one-time
• Annual renewal: Automatic at no cost
• Address changes: Must be updated within 30 days
• Non-compliance: No response provided to unregistered alarms after 30-day grace period

Download the form: GCSO Alarm Registration (PDF)

Fees and Timeline

Requirement	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit (if needed)	Varies by project	6-8 weeks processing
Building Permit (if needed)	Varies by project	6-8 weeks processing
Alarm Registration (GCSO)	$10 one-time	1-2 weeks
SLED Business License	$350 annually	4-6 weeks
SLED Surety Bond	$10,000	Varies by insurer

Note: Starting July 1, 2025, Greenville County building permit fees increased by 20 percent.

Residential vs Commercial Installations

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks and keypads: Generally no permit required
• Video intercom systems: No permit for low-voltage installation
• Gate access systems: May require electrical permit for gate operator power
• Monitored systems: Require GCSO alarm registration
• Homeowner self-installation: No contractor license required

Commercial Access Control

• SLED-licensed contractor typically required
• Fire alarm integration requires SCCLB fire alarm contractor license
• ADA compliance for accessible entrances
• Coordination with fire marshal for egress requirements
• May require fire-rated door hardware certification

What Are Important Code Considerations?

Access control installations must comply with life safety codes:

• Egress requirements: Doors in the means of egress must allow free egress during emergencies
• Fire alarm integration: Access control must release locked doors upon fire alarm activation
• Power failure: Many jurisdictions require fail-safe (unlock) operation during power loss for egress doors
• ADA compliance: Accessible routes must have compliant hardware operation

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

• Ignoring fire code integration: Access control on fire exit doors must tie into fire alarm systems
• Skipping SLED licensing: Operating as a security contractor without SLED license can result in fines
• Missing GCSO registration: Monitored systems require registration to avoid false alarm penalties
• Permit expiration: County permits expire after 6 months of inactivity
• Not using eTrakit: Paper submissions take longer—online is faster

Pro Tips from Access Control Contractors

• Clarify licensing upfront: Contact SLED before bidding to confirm whether your scope requires SLED or LLR licensing
• Coordinate with fire alarm: Always involve the fire alarm contractor early if integration is required
• Document door ratings: Before modifying any door, verify and document its fire rating
• Use eTrakit: Greenville County's online portal speeds up the permit process
• Budget for processing time: County permits take 6-8 weeks—plan accordingly

Official Resources and Contacts

• Greenville County Building Safety: 864-467-7060 | permits@greenvillecounty.org | Building Safety Forms
• Greenville County Sheriff's Office (Alarm Registration): Alarm Billing
• SLED Regulatory Services: (803) 737-9000 | reglicense@sled.sc.gov | Private Security Licensing
• SC Contractor's Licensing Board: (803) 896-4686 | SCCLB Website

Related Permit Guides for Greenville County

• Security Camera Permits in Greenville County, SC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Greenville County, SC

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Greenville County Building Safety before beginning work.