Access Control Permit Requirements in Harris County, Texas

Quick Answer: Harris County requires permits for commercial access control system installations in unincorporated areas. The county has a specific Access Control System permit application for electronic locking systems. Contractors must hold a Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Class D (Electronic Access Control Device Company) or Class B license. Projects within Houston city limits follow different requirements.

Understanding Harris County Jurisdiction

Harris County permit requirements apply to unincorporated areas—areas outside the 34 incorporated cities within the county.

• Unincorporated Harris County – Follow this guide
• City of Houston – See our Houston Access Control Permit Guide
• Other cities (Katy, Spring, Pasadena, Humble, Cypress, Baytown, Tomball, Kingwood, La Porte, etc.) – Contact that city's permit office

When Is a Permit Required?

Harris County has specific requirements for access control installations:

Commercial Access Control Systems

The Access Control System permit application is for the installation of electronic locking systems in commercial establishments. Property owners must submit comprehensive documentation detailing:

• System design
• Installation plans
• Maintenance plans

E-Lock Inspections

E-lock inspections are conducted to ensure electronic locks used to secure buildings have been installed correctly and that under emergency conditions, all magnetic locks release to provide immediate exit egress.

Compliance Standards

Access control systems in Harris County must comply with:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
• Texas Department of Public Safety requirements
• Local building codes
• Fire safety codes
• Electrical codes

Residential Access Control

Standalone residential access control systems (smart locks, keypads) on private property typically don't require building permits for low voltage work. However, alarm registration through the Sheriff's Office may be required if the system is monitored.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Even when building permits aren't required, contractor licensing is mandatory for all access control work in Texas.

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau License

The Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau regulates access control contractors:

Class D – Electronic Access Control Device Company

Required if your company installs or maintains electronic access control devices. Per Texas law, a person acts as an electronic access control device company if they install or maintain electronic access control devices—defined as electronic, electrical, or computer-based devices that allow access to a controlled area of a business.

Class D Requirements:

• Criminal background and FBI check
• Fingerprinting
• Evidence of financial stability
• Comprehensive liability insurance (minimum $200,000)
• Pass the company representative examination

Class B – Security Contractor Company

A broader license that includes authorization for alarm systems, electronic access control, CCTV, locksmith services, and guard services. Many contractors choose Class B for its versatility.

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Individual Installer Requirements

Security technicians who work on electronic access control systems must hold an Electronic Access Control Device Installer license, registered under a company's Class B or Class D license.

Company Representative Exam

A Texas Private Security Company Representative is required to operate/manage a Class D licensed company. The exam covers:

• Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702
• Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35
• 100 questions, 2-hour time limit
• 70% score required to pass

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain State Licensing

Ensure your company has a valid Class D or Class B license from Texas DPS before pursuing Harris County permits.

Step 2: Submit Permit Application

For commercial access control systems, submit through the Harris County ePermits Portal.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Include:

• System design and layout
• Equipment specifications
• Installation plans
• Maintenance procedures
• Proof of contractor licensing

Step 4: Schedule E-Lock Inspection

After installation, schedule an inspection to verify proper installation and emergency egress compliance.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
HC Engineering - Permits	oce.harriscountytx.gov	Access control permits
HC ePermits Portal	epermits.harriscountytx.gov	Online permit applications
Sheriff's Office Alarm Detail	hcsoalarmpermit.com	Alarm registration
Texas DPS PSB	dps.texas.gov	State licensing

Fees and Timeline

State Licensing Fees (DPS)

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Class D Company License	$575	2-year license
Class B Company License	$575	2-year license
Individual Registration	$30-$40	Varies by type
Manager Examination	$50	Per attempt
Liability Insurance	Minimum $200,000	Required for Class D

Alarm Registration (If Monitored)

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit	Varies	Annual registration
Commercial Alarm Permit	Varies	Annual registration

Code Compliance Requirements

Emergency Egress

All electronic locking systems must release under emergency conditions to provide immediate exit egress. This is a critical inspection point.

Fire Door Integration

When installing access control on fire-rated doors:

• Magnetic locks must release upon fire alarm activation
• Fail-safe operation required on egress doors
• Request-to-exit (REX) devices required
• Fire rating of door assembly must be maintained

NFPA Standards

• NFPA 80 – Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
• NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
• NFPA 72 – When integrated with fire alarm systems

ADA Compliance

• Card readers and keypads at proper mounting height
• Door opening force within limits
• Automatic door operators when required

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Low voltage work typically exempt from building permits
• Alarm registration required if monitored
• State licensing still required for paid installation
• Homeowner self-installation permitted

Commercial Access Control

• Access Control System permit required
• E-lock inspection required
• Documentation of system design required
• NFPA and ADA compliance mandatory
• Fire door integration requires coordination

Pro Tips from the Field

Verify Jurisdiction: Harris County includes 34 incorporated cities, each with their own requirements. Confirm your project is in unincorporated Harris County before quoting.

E-Lock Inspection Focus: Inspectors prioritize emergency egress. Double-check that all mag locks release properly on fire alarm, REX, and power failure before calling for inspection.

Get the Right License: If you do access control only, Class D works. If you also do alarm systems, CCTV, or other security work, Class B is more practical.

Insurance Requirements: The $200,000 minimum liability insurance for Class D is non-negotiable. Keep certificates current and on file.

Use TOPS: Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) handles all DPS applications and renewals. Get familiar with the system to streamline licensing.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
• Access Control Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with Harris County and Texas DPS before beginning work.