Access Control Permit Requirements in Lake County, Illinois

Installing access control systems in Lake County, Illinois? This guide covers permit requirements, contractor licensing, and compliance essentials for electronic access control installations in unincorporated Lake County and surrounding municipalities.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Permits may be required for access control installations in Lake County depending on the scope of work. Key factors include:

• Electrical work involved (new circuits, wiring runs)
• Door hardware modifications or replacements
• Fire egress door integration
• Commercial vs. residential application
• Integration with fire alarm systems

Properties in incorporated cities must contact their respective building departments. Unincorporated areas are handled by Lake County Planning, Building and Development.

When Permits Are Required

Permits Typically Required

• New electrical circuits for access control panels
• Electrified door hardware installation (maglocks, electric strikes)
• Modifications to fire-rated doors
• Integration with fire alarm systems (door release on alarm)
• Commercial access control systems
• Systems affecting means of egress
• Hardwired reader and controller installations
• Card access on exterior doors

Potentially Exempt Installations

• Standalone keypad locks (battery-powered)
• Wireless smart locks on residential doors
• Low voltage wiring under 50 volts (varies by municipality)
• Simple residential intercom systems
• Direct replacement of existing card readers

Important: Access control affecting fire egress always requires coordination with the fire marshal. Verify all exemptions with Lake County before proceeding.

Illinois Contractor Licensing Requirements

Access control installation in Illinois requires proper licensing through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Private Alarm Contractor License

Under 225 ILCS 447, electronic access control systems are explicitly included in the definition of alarm systems. The law states an alarm system includes "any system, including an electronic access control system."

License requirements include:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• No felony convictions (or 10+ years since discharge)
• Pass IDFPR-authorized examination
• 3 years qualifying experience (1,500 hours per year)
• Good moral character verification

License Types

• Private Alarm Contractor: Individual with no employees
• Private Alarm Contractor Agency: Business entity with employees performing alarm work

Employee Requirements

Employees must obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) from IDFPR to work for licensed alarm contractor agencies in Illinois.

Examination Schedule

IDFPR holds biannual exams in March and September. Applications are submitted through the CORE online system launched in October 2024.

For comprehensive licensing information, see our Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Lake County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

• Unincorporated Lake County: Apply through Lake County Planning, Building and Development
• Incorporated cities: Contact municipal building department (Waukegan, Highland Park, Lake Forest, etc.)

Step 2: Early Assistance (Recommended)

Lake County offers Early Assistance meetings to clarify requirements before formal application. This is particularly valuable for commercial access control projects affecting fire egress.

Step 3: Submit Permit Application

For unincorporated Lake County:

• Download application from Lake County Permits
• Submit in person or through online permit system
• Include system design documents and door schedules
• Provide fire marshal approval if egress doors are involved

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• System design and door schedule
• Floor plans with device locations
• Door hardware cut sheets and specifications
• Electrical load calculations
• Contractor license verification
• Fire marshal approval (if required for egress doors)

Contact Information

Lake County Planning, Building and Development
Address: 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 847-377-2600
Website: lakecountyil.gov/Permits

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Residential Electrical Permit	$75-$150	3-5 business days
Commercial Permit	$150-$400+	1-3 weeks
Fire Marshal Review	Varies	2-4 weeks
Final Inspection	Often included	Schedule upon completion

Fees vary by project scope. Contact Lake County for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Generally simpler permit requirements
• Wireless smart locks often exempt
• Video doorbell systems typically permit-free
• Hardwired intercoms may require electrical permit
• Gate operators may require separate permits

Commercial Access Control

• Fire marshal review required for egress doors
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• Emergency egress release requirements per fire code
• Integration with fire alarm required for certain occupancies
• Annual inspection requirements for egress-related hardware
• Card access logs may have retention requirements

Fire Egress and Life Safety Requirements

Access control on fire egress doors requires special attention to life safety codes:

Illinois Fire Prevention Code Requirements

• Doors must release automatically upon fire alarm activation
• Fail-safe (power-to-lock) hardware typically required on egress doors
• Manual release must be readily accessible
• 15-second maximum delay locks (where permitted by code)
• Signage requirements for delayed egress systems

ADA Compliance

• Card readers at accessible height (48" maximum)
• Automatic door operators where required
• Clear floor space at access points
• Operating force limits for manual doors

Illinois Privacy Considerations

Biometric Access Control (BIPA)

If your access control system uses fingerprint readers or facial recognition, Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14) applies:

• Written consent required before collecting biometric identifiers
• Privacy policy must be published
• Strict data retention and destruction requirements
• Penalties: $1,000-$5,000 per violation

Many Illinois contractors recommend card-based or PIN access to avoid BIPA compliance requirements.

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Fire marshal first: For commercial egress doors, get fire marshal approval before finalizing system design
• Door schedule early: Create comprehensive door schedules including hardware, frame type, and fire rating
• Power planning: Calculate power requirements including battery backup—access control needs reliable power
• BIPA awareness: Discuss biometric vs. card access with clients—BIPA liability is significant
• Coordinate trades: Work with door installers and electricians early—access control crosses multiple trades
• Test fail-safes: Document that all egress doors release properly under fire alarm and power failure conditions
• Future-proof wiring: Run extra pairs for future expansion—it's cheaper than return trips

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Chicago, IL Access Control Permits
• Cook County, IL Access Control Permits
• Lake County, IL Security Camera Permits
• Lake County, IL Fire Alarm Permits
• Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide