Access Control Permit Requirements in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Gwinnett County may require low voltage permits for commercial access control installations, especially systems with electromagnetic locks or fire alarm integration. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVA, LVG, or LVU). Systems must comply with Georgia Building Code egress requirements and integrate properly with fire alarm systems.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control in Gwinnett County?

Access control permit requirements in unincorporated Gwinnett County depend on the scope of work and type of locking hardware.

Projects That May Require Permits

• Electromagnetic locks: Maglocks require fire alarm integration and egress compliance
• Electric strikes: Commercial door hardware modifications
• Fire alarm integration: Access control tied to building fire alarm
• New electrical circuits: Dedicated power for access control panels
• Structural modifications: Door frame modifications or wall penetrations
• Gate operators: Vehicular gate access systems

Typically Permit-Exempt Work

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

Note: Gwinnett County includes multiple cities (Lawrenceville, Duluth, Snellville, Suwanee, etc.). Each has separate permitting. This guide covers unincorporated Gwinnett County.

Georgia Building Code Egress Requirements

Access control systems must comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code egress requirements.

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Requirement	Details
Fail-safe operation	Door must unlock upon loss of power
Fire alarm integration	Must unlock upon fire alarm activation
Remain unlocked	Door stays unlocked until fire alarm reset
Manual release	Direct power interruption, independent of electronics
Unlock duration	Minimum 30 seconds after manual release
Panic hardware	Must release maglock when operated

Occupancy Restrictions

Entrance doors in Group A, B, E, or M occupancies cannot be secured from the egress side during periods the building is open to the public. Electromagnetic locks are allowed in most occupancies except Group H (High Hazard).

Delayed Egress Locks

Delayed egress locks have additional requirements:

• Immediate unlock upon fire alarm activation
• Immediate unlock upon sprinkler activation
• Immediate unlock upon power failure
• Building must have automatic sprinkler or smoke/heat detection

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems:

• Automatic unlock: Doors unlock upon fire alarm activation
• Remain unlocked: Until fire alarm system is manually reset
• Fire command center: Locks must be controllable from fire command center
• Coordination required: Work with fire alarm contractor for proper integration

Georgia Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires proper 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)

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

Gwinnett County Permit Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Confirm whether the address is in unincorporated Gwinnett County or a municipality.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Site plan showing door locations
• System riser diagram
• Equipment specifications
• Egress compliance documentation
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through the Gwinnett County ZIP Portal.

Step 4: Inspections

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

Contact Information

Gwinnett County Planning and Development
Building Permits Section
446 West Crogan Street, Suite 300
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: 678-518-6020
Email: P&D-BuildingPermits@GwinnettCounty.com

Building Inspections
Phone: 678-518-6002
Email: P&D-BuildingInspections@GwinnettCounty.com

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Generally simpler permit requirements
• Smart locks typically exempt
• Gate operators may require permits
• Georgia license required for hired contractors

Commercial Access Control

• Permits typically required for electromagnetic locks
• Egress code compliance mandatory
• Fire alarm integration common
• ADA accessibility requirements apply

Pro Tips from Georgia Access Control Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm county vs. city before quoting
• Coordinate with fire alarm: Identify fire alarm contractor early
• Document egress compliance: Photograph all REX devices and releases
• Test fire alarm integration: Verify unlock on alarm activation
• Test power failure: Confirm fail-safe operation
• Train end users: Ensure staff understand emergency procedures

Cities Within Gwinnett County

City	Notes
Lawrenceville	Contact city building department
Duluth	Contact city building department
Snellville	Contact city building department
Suwanee	Contact city building department
Buford	Contact city building department
Peachtree Corners	Contact city building department

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Georgia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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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 Fulton County, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia