Access Control Permit Requirements in Kenton County, Kentucky

Installing access control systems in Kenton County means navigating the permit landscape across this Northern Kentucky jurisdiction. The county includes Covington, Erlanger, Independence, and other municipalities. For unincorporated areas, Planning and Development Services of Kenton County (PDSKC) handles building permits and inspections.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Standalone electronic access control that doesn't affect building electrical infrastructure often doesn't require permits. However, systems with electrified door hardware requiring electrical work, fire alarm integration, or structural modifications do require permits.

When Are Access Control Permits Required?

Kenton County jurisdictions require permits when access control involves:

• New electrical circuits for access control equipment
• Electrified door hardware (magnetic locks, electric strikes)
• Integration with fire alarm systems for door release
• Modifications to emergency egress pathways
• Structural changes for door frames or mounting
• Large commercial installations

Work that typically does NOT require permits:

• Standalone card readers on existing doors
• Low-voltage wiring to existing powered doors
• Software and programming changes
• Credential management
• Battery backup replacements

Where Do You Apply for Permits?

Permit jurisdiction depends on location:

• Unincorporated Kenton County: PDSKC
• Covington: City of Covington Building Department
• Erlanger: City of Erlanger Building Department
• Independence: City of Independence Building Department

PDSKC Contact Information

Planning and Development Services of Kenton County
1840 Simon Kenton Way, Suite 3300
Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 392-1420
Website: pdskc.org

What Licenses Do You Need in Kentucky?

Kentucky has favorable requirements for access control contractors:

• No State Electrical License Required: Per KRS § 227A.030, low-voltage work under 50 volts is exempt from electrical licensing
• Local Occupational License: Required for businesses operating in Kenton County municipalities
• Insurance: General liability and workers' comp for commercial work

For fire alarm integration, Kentucky State Fire Marshal licensing may apply. See our Kentucky Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Access Control Permits?

1. Determine Jurisdiction: Identify whether property is in a city or unincorporated county
2. Determine Permit Type: Electrical permit for power work, low-voltage for control wiring
3. Contact Appropriate Office: PDSKC for county, city building department for municipalities
4. Submit Application: Complete permit application with documentation
5. Provide Documentation:
   • System diagrams showing reader locations
   • Door schedules with hardware specifications
   • Power requirements and circuit loads
   • Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
6. Pay Fees and Schedule Inspections

What Are the Permit Fees?

Permit Type	Fee Range
Low-Voltage Permit	$50 - $100
Electrical Permit	$75 - $200
Commercial Combined	$150 - $400

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Project Type	Timeline
Simple Low-Voltage Permit	1-3 business days
Electrical Permit	3-5 business days
Commercial with Plan Review	2-4 weeks
Fire Alarm Integration	3-6 weeks

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

Home installations have minimal permit requirements:

• Smart locks and video doorbells rarely need permits
• Gate operators may need electrical permits
• Intercom systems generally permit-exempt
• HOA rules may apply

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations have additional considerations:

• ADA compliance for accessible hardware
• Fire code requirements for egress doors
• Integration with building fire alarm systems
• Emergency release requirements
• Coordination with property management and fire marshal

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control interfaces with fire alarms:

• Fire marshal review of integration design
• Proper relay isolation between systems
• Documentation of fail-safe operation during fire
• Testing to verify doors release on alarm activation
• Annual inspection documentation

Historic District Considerations

Kenton County has historic areas, particularly in Covington:

• MainStrasse Village Historic District
• Licking Riverside Historic District
• Seminary Square Historic District

Exterior access control hardware in historic districts may need design review.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check Jurisdiction First: Verify whether property is in a city or unincorporated county
• Check Door Hardware: Verify existing doors can accept electrified hardware before quoting
• Coordinate with Fire Marshal: For egress door projects, involve the Fire Marshal early
• Document Everything: Keep wiring diagrams and programming records
• Know Your Fail Modes: Document fail-safe vs. fail-secure decisions

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides for Kenton County

• Security Camera Permits in Kenton County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Kenton County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Kenton County
• Access Control Permits in Covington

Additional Resources

• PDSKC - Planning and Development Services
• City of Covington