Access Control Permit Requirements in Loudoun County, Virginia

Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Loudoun 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?

Loudoun County follows the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The Department of Building and Development issues permits for the entire county.

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

Important: Even when permits are not required, all work must conform to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and other applicable regulations.

Fire Marshal Review Requirements

Access control affecting life safety requires Fire Marshal Office 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

Fire Marshal Contact:

Phone: (703) 737-8600

Permit Application Process

When permits are required for access control in Loudoun County:

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

• Review project scope for fire-rated door impacts
• Identify egress-related hardware
• Check if part of larger permitted project

Step 2: Submit Through LandMARC

• Access Loudoun County Permitting Portal
• All online applications processed through LandMARC system
• Download forms from Building and Zoning Permit Application Forms

Step 3: Fire Marshal Review (If Required)

• Submit special locking system documentation
• Include door hardware schedules
• Coordinate with building permit

Contact Information:

Loudoun County Department of Building and Development
1 Harrison Street SE, Second Floor
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: (703) 777-0220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements

Loudoun 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 per project
Class C	2 years	$10,000 per project

For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit (when required)	Per fee schedule	5-10 business days
Fire Marshal Review	Additional fee	10+ business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule after installation

Alarm Registration

Access control systems with alarm functions must be registered with the False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU):

• Registration is FREE
• Required for all monitored systems
• Renewal every 2 years
• Register online at crywolfweb.loudoun.gov

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Generally permit-exempt for low voltage access control
• Homeowners can perform work on primary residence with permits
• DCJS-licensed contractor required for professional installation
• 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
• Licensed electricians required for commercial work
• Coordinate with tenant improvement permits
• DCJS and DPOR licensing mandatory

2021 USBC Compliance

All Loudoun County building permit applications must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Key access control considerations:

• Special locking arrangements per IBC Section 1010
• Delayed egress device requirements
• Electromagnetic lock fail-safe provisions
• Access control on smoke barrier doors
• Integration with fire alarm release

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Understand the permit exemption. Low voltage access control is generally exempt, but the moment you affect fire-rated doors or egress, Fire Marshal involvement begins. Know the boundaries before bidding.

Use LandMARC for applications. All Loudoun County permit applications go through the LandMARC system. Familiarize yourself with the online portal to avoid delays.

Register alarm functions. If access control includes intrusion detection or panic alarms, register with FARU. The free registration prevents response issues.

Coordinate with building permits. For tenant improvements, access control should be part of the overall permit package. Standalone submissions for work within permitted spaces can cause conflicts.

Verify fire door ratings. Before installing any hardware on fire doors, confirm the door rating and ensure your equipment is UL listed for that application. Non-listed hardware on rated doors is a code violation.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Loudoun 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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Related Permit Guides

• Virginia Low Voltage License Requirements
• Browse All Permit Guides