Access Control Permit Requirements in Los Angeles County, California

Installing access control systems in unincorporated Los Angeles County requires understanding both local building codes and state licensing requirements. This guide covers permit requirements, exemptions, and the application process for access control installations in LA County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for Access Control in LA County?

Generally no for residential low-voltage systems. Per LA County Electrical Code Section 82-3, low-voltage security systems operating under 25 volts are typically exempt from electrical permits. However, commercial systems or installations involving additional electrical work may require permits.

Residential Exemptions

LA County Electrical Code Section 82-3 provides exemptions for:

• Electrical wiring, devices, and equipment operating at less than 25 volts
• Systems not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy
• Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits with output not exceeding 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes
• Private telephone, intercom, sound, and communication systems meeting the above values

Most residential access control systems (card readers, keypads, electric strikes) fall within these exemptions.

When Permits ARE Required

Permits may be required for:

• Commercial access control installations with complex wiring
• Systems integrated with fire alarm or life safety systems
• Installations requiring structural modifications
• Electric gate operators with dedicated power circuits
• Projects involving high-voltage electrical work
• Any installation that doesn't meet the low-voltage exemptions

Licensing Requirements

Access control installations in California require proper state licensing:

License Type	Issuing Agency	Requirement
Alarm Company Operator (ACO)	California BSIS	Required for access control systems
C-7 Low Voltage	California CSLB	For low voltage electrical work

BSIS Alarm Company Operator License

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) regulates alarm and access control companies in California. Requirements include:

• Criminal background check through DOJ and FBI
• Qualified Manager designation
• $1,000,000 general liability insurance (for LLCs)
• Live Scan fingerprinting
• Renewal every two years

For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.

LA County Permit Process (When Required)

Step 1: Determine If Permit Is Needed

Contact LA County Building and Safety or use their Service Locator to confirm whether your project requires a permit based on scope and voltage.

Step 2: Create EPIC-LA Account

Go to EPIC-LA (the county's online permit system) and log in or create a new account.

Step 3: Submit Application

Click "Apply" and search for the type of permit needed. For electrical work:

• Complete the Electrical Application Form
• Submit plans for review if required
• Include equipment specifications

Step 4: Plan Check (If Required)

Experts review your plans to ensure they meet safety, building, and environmental standards.

Step 5: Obtain Permit and Schedule Inspection

Once approved, obtain your permit. Request inspections through EPIC-LA:

• First inspection within 12 months of permit issuance
• Follow-up inspections every 6 months to keep permit active

Permit Validity and Expiration

Timeframe	Requirement
12 months	Work must start or permit expires
180 days	Work cannot lapse this long
180 days	Extensions available upon written request

Who Can Obtain Permits

LA County permits can only be issued to:

• Contractors with appropriate license(s)
• Property owners (in certain cases)
• Authorized agents representing contractors or owners

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Most systems exempt under Section 82-3
• No permit typically needed for low-voltage systems
• Must still use BSIS-licensed installers
• Electric gate operators may need separate review

Commercial Access Control

• May require electrical permits depending on scope
• Plan check required for complex systems
• Integration with fire systems triggers additional requirements
• Must use licensed BSIS and CSLB contractors

Service Areas

LA County Building and Safety provides services for:

• Unincorporated Los Angeles County areas
• Contract cities that use county services

For incorporated cities within LA County, contact the specific city's building department.

Contact Information

LA County Building and Safety

• Website: dpw.lacounty.gov/building-and-safety
• Online Permits: EPIC-LA Portal
• Use Service Locator for local office contact information

California BSIS

• Phone: (916) 322-4000
• Website: bsis.ca.gov

California CSLB

• Phone: (800) 321-2752
• Website: cslb.ca.gov

Pro Tips from the Field

• Verify jurisdiction: LA County has many incorporated cities with their own permit requirements. Confirm whether you're in unincorporated county or a city.
• Document voltage specs: Keep equipment documentation showing systems operate under 25V to support exemption claims.
• Check fire integration: Access control integrated with fire alarm systems has stricter requirements and likely needs permits.
• BSIS licensing required: Even when permits aren't needed, you must use BSIS-licensed installers for access control.
• Electric gates: Motorized gate operators often need separate review even when access control doesn't.
• Keep permits active: If you do pull a permit, schedule inspections every 6 months to avoid expiration.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Los Angeles (City) Access Control Permit Requirements
• San Diego Access Control Permit Requirements
• San Francisco Access Control Permit Requirements
• California Low Voltage License Guide