Access Control Permit Requirements in Knoxville, Tennessee

Installing access control systems in Knoxville requires understanding both the City of Knoxville and Knox County building codes, as well as Tennessee's contractor licensing structure. The city has adopted the 2018 IBC with local amendments, which includes specific requirements for access-controlled egress doors.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on scope. Access control installations involving new electrical circuits or door hardware modifications affecting means of egress may require permits. Building permits are required for modifications that impact code compliance. Tennessee also requires alarm contractor licensing for security-related access control work.

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Permits Likely Required

• New electrical circuits for access control power
• Door hardware modifications affecting egress compliance
• Delayed egress lock installations
• Access-controlled egress doors in assembly or educational occupancies
• Integration with fire alarm systems
• Commercial building alterations

Potentially Exempt Work

• Standalone battery-powered locks
• Low-voltage work using existing circuits
• Retrofit card readers on existing door hardware
• Minor residential installations

Important: Even exempt work requires proper contractor licensing if performed for compensation.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractor License

Required for security-related access control systems:

• Burglar Alarm License: Covers intrusion detection and access control
• CCTV License: For integrated camera systems

Qualifying Agent Requirements

• Approved education or NICET certification plus 3 years experience
• Pass PSI examination
• Company certification: $500
• Employee registration: $100 per technician
• 16 hours CE every 2 years

For detailed licensing information, see our Tennessee Low Voltage License Guide.

Electrical Contractor License

May be required depending on scope:

• CE License: Projects over $25,000
• LLE: NOT accepted in Knox County (has own codes office)

Knoxville Business Requirements

• City of Knoxville business license
• Knox County business license (if applicable)
• Proof of insurance

Adopted Building Codes

Knoxville and Knox County enforce:

• 2018 International Building Code (IBC): With local amendments effective April 1, 2022
• 2018 International Residential Code (IRC): With amendments
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• ANSI A117.1: Accessibility Code

Check Current Codes for adopted versions.

IBC Egress Requirements for Access Control

Access control on egress doors must comply with International Building Code Chapter 10:

Access-Controlled Egress Doors

For Groups A, B, E, I-2, M, R-1, R-2 occupancies:

• System must be UL 294 listed
• Egress-side sensor required to detect approaching occupants
• Doors must auto-unlock on sensor detection or power loss
• Manual unlocking device required 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of door
• Fail-safe operation mandatory

Delayed Egress Locks

Special requirements for delayed egress systems:

• NOT permitted: Group A (assembly), E (educational), H (hazardous)
• Building must have automatic sprinkler or smoke/heat detection throughout
• Maximum one delayed egress door before reaching exit
• Must unlock on sprinkler/fire detection activation
• Must unlock on power loss

Door Hardware Requirements

• Hardware mounting: 34-48 inches above finished floor
• Manual release clearly identified
• No special knowledge required for egress operation
• ADA/ANSI A117.1 compliance required

City of Knoxville Permit Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

Contact Plans Review & Inspections or review Fast Fact Guides for guidance.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through the City of Knoxville permits portal:

• Portal: permits.knoxvilletn.gov
• Codes: Construction Codes

Step 3: Plan Review

Plans reviewed for egress compliance and code requirements.

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

Install per approved plans, then schedule inspection.

Knox County Permit Process

For locations in Knox County (outside Knoxville city limits):

• Portal: Knox County Online Permits
• Phone: (865) 215-2325
• Documents: knoxcounty.org/codes

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit (if required)	Varies	Based on project scope
Electrical Permit	Varies	If new circuits required
State Alarm Contractor License	$500	Plus employee fees
CE Electrical License	Varies	State contractor board

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Alarm contractor license required for security systems
• Electrical permit if new circuits
• Less stringent egress requirements for dwelling units
• Night latches, deadbolts permitted (openable without key from inside)
• Emergency egress requirements for basements and bedrooms

Commercial Access Control

• Alarm contractor or CE license required
• 2018 IBC Chapter 10 egress compliance mandatory
• Fire alarm integration may be required
• UL 294 listing required for access-controlled egress doors
• ANSI A117.1 accessibility compliance mandatory
• May require Fire Marshal coordination

Fire Alarm Integration

When access control integrates with fire alarm systems:

• Doors must release on fire alarm activation
• Fire permit may be required
• Coordinate with Fire Marshal's Office (City) or Fire Prevention Bureau (County)
• Tennessee fire alarm contractor license may be required

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• 2018 IBC with amendments: Local amendments effective April 2022—verify current requirements
• LLE doesn't work here: Knox County has its own codes office—CE license required for larger projects
• UL 294 is mandatory: Access-controlled egress doors must use listed equipment
• Delayed egress restrictions: Not allowed in assembly, educational, or hazardous occupancies
• Check Fast Fact Guides: City provides helpful interpretation guides for complex topics
• Emergency egress in basements: Knox County requires direct outside access
• ANSI A117.1: Accessibility compliance is actively enforced

Contact Information

City of Knoxville Plans Review & Inspections

• Portal: permits.knoxvilletn.gov
• Current Codes: Current Codes Page

Knox County Codes

• Phone: (865) 215-2325
• Website: knoxcounty.org/codes
• Permits: Online Permits

Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board

• Phone: 615-741-9771
• Website: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/alarm

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors

• Address: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
• Phone: (615) 741-8307

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Tennessee Low Voltage License Requirements
• Knoxville Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Knoxville Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Nashville Access Control Permit Requirements
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