Access Control Permit Requirements in Henrico County, Virginia
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Most access control in Henrico County is permit-exempt under 50V. Fire-rated doors and egress require Fire Marshal review. Free alarm registration. Virginia DCJS/DPOR licensing required.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Henrico County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Henrico County operating at 50 volts or less are exempt from building permits under Virginia code. However, systems affecting fire-rated doors or egress require Fire Marshal review. Virginia DCJS and DPOR licensing is mandatory for all professional installations.
When Are Permits Required?
Henrico County follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The Building Inspections Department handles permits.
Permits Generally NOT Required:
- Low-voltage wiring under 50 volts
- Standard card reader and keypad installations
- Electric strike installations on non-rated doors
- Standalone access control systems
- Wireless access control devices
Permits ARE Required When:
- Access control affects fire-rated doors or assemblies
- Systems control egress from buildings
- Delayed egress or electromagnetic locks on fire doors
- Integration with fire alarm systems
- New electrical circuits over 50 volts
- Work part of larger permitted construction
Fire Marshal Review Requirements
Access control affecting life safety requires Henrico County Fire Marshal review:
Special Locking Systems:
- Delayed egress devices on required exits
- Electromagnetic locks on fire doors
- Access control on smoke barrier doors
- Systems affecting means of egress
Contact Fire Marshal:
Phone: (804) 501-4900
Email: fire@henrico.gov
Alarm Registration
Access control with alarm functions must be registered with Henrico County Police Division:
- Registration is FREE
- First false alarm free
- Required for systems triggering emergency response
- Online registration available
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Henrico County requires proper state licensing for all access control work:
DCJS Electronic Security License
The Virginia DCJS requires licensing for:
- Companies providing electronic security equipment
- Installing or servicing access control systems
- Any work involving security technology
- Background checks for all employees
- Technician registration and training
DPOR Contractor License
The Virginia DPOR requires contractor licensing:
| License Class | Experience | Contract Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 5 years | Unlimited |
| Class B | 3 years | $120,000 |
| Class C | 2 years | $10,000 |
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.
Permit Application Process
When permits are required for access control in Henrico County:
Step 1: Determine Permit Need
- Review project for fire-rated door impacts
- Identify egress-related hardware
- Check if part of larger permitted project
Step 2: Submit Application
- Contact Henrico County Building Inspections
- Submit electrical permit if required
- Include system plans and specifications
Step 3: Fire Marshal Review (If Required)
- Submit special locking system documentation
- Include door hardware schedules
- Coordinate with building permit
Contact Information:
Henrico County Building Inspections
4301 East Parham Road
Henrico, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 501-4360
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit (when required) | $75-$125 | 3-5 business days |
| Fire Marshal Review | Additional fee | 5-10 business days |
| Alarm Registration | FREE | Same day online |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Schedule after installation |
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Installations
- Generally permit-exempt for low voltage access control
- Free alarm registration if system triggers response
- DCJS-licensed contractor required for professional work
- HOA approval may be needed for exterior modifications
- Work must meet code even without permit
Commercial Installations
- Permit-exempt for basic low voltage access control
- Fire Marshal review required for egress-related hardware
- Coordinate with tenant improvement permits
- DCJS and DPOR licensing mandatory
- KNOX-BOX coordination may be required
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
Understand the permit exemption. Low voltage access control is generally exempt, but touching fire-rated doors or egress paths triggers Fire Marshal involvement. Know the boundaries before bidding.
Register alarm functions. If access control includes intrusion detection or panic buttons, register with Police Division. The free registration prevents response issues.
Get both state licenses. Virginia requires DCJS for electronic security AND DPOR for contracting. Many contractors have one but not both - you need both for access control work.
Coordinate with building permits. For tenant improvements, access control should be part of the overall permit package. Standalone submissions can cause conflicts.
Verify fire door ratings. Before installing hardware on fire doors, confirm the rating and ensure equipment is UL listed for that application.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Henrico County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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