Access Control Permit Requirements in McKinney, Texas

# Access Control Permit Requirements in McKinney, Texas **Quick Answer:** Access control installations in McKinney, Texas require an alarm permit for monitored systems. Contractors must hold a Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Class B license. Commercial installations also require low-voltage electrical permits. ## Do I Need a Permit for Access Control in McKinney? McKinney requires permits for access control work in several scenarios: - **Commercial building installations** - Low-voltage electrical permit required - **Monitored access control systems** - Alarm permit required - **New construction** - Part of overall building permit - **Door hardware modifications** - When affecting fire-rated assemblies - **Integration with fire alarm** - Requires fire marshal coordination ### Alarm Permit Requirements McKinney requires alarm permits for monitored systems: - **Residential:** $50 alarm registration fee - **Commercial:** $100 alarm permit fee - **Renewal:** Annual renewal required ## Permit Application Process ### Step 1: Register With McKinney PD For monitored access control systems, register with McKinney Police Department: - Complete alarm permit application - Pay applicable fee ($50 residential / $100 commercial) - Provide emergency contact information - Receive alarm permit number ### Step 2: Apply for Building/Electrical Permit Through McKinney Development Services online portal: - Create account at permit portal - Select electrical permit type - Upload required documentation - Pay permit fees ### Step 3: Required Documentation - **Site plans** with reader locations - **Electrical drawings** showing power and data - **Door schedule** for access-controlled openings - **DPS license verification** ## Texas DPS Private Security Bureau License ### Class B License Required All access control contractors must register with Texas DPS PSB: - **Company License:** Class B Electronic Access Control - **Individual Registration:** All technicians must register - **Background Check:** State and federal criminal history - **Insurance:** General liability required ### License Verification McKinney verifies contractor licensing during permit review. Ensure your DPS registration is current and in good standing. ### Exemptions - In-house maintenance staff (own employer only) - Licensed electricians (basic strikes without monitoring) - IT personnel (network equipment only, no security function) ## McKinney Building Codes McKinney adopted the **2024 International Codes** (effective date varies by code section): ### Relevant Codes - **2024 IBC** - Building code requirements - **2024 IFC** - Fire code for life safety integration - **NEC 2023** - Electrical requirements - **ADA** - Accessibility requirements ### Door Hardware Requirements - Electric strikes must maintain fire ratings - Magnetic locks require fire alarm release - Exit devices must comply with egress requirements - ADA accessible hardware required at public entrances ## False Alarm Ordinance McKinney enforces strict false alarm regulations: ### Fee Schedule | Occurrence | Fee | |------------|-----| | 1st-3rd | Warning | | 4th | $50 | | 5th | $75 | | 6th | $100 | | 7th+ | $150 each | ### Appeal Process False alarm fees can be appealed within 15 days. Document system malfunctions and provide evidence of correction. ## Inspection Requirements ### Pre-Installation - Verify door hardware compatibility - Confirm power availability at each location - Check network infrastructure requirements ### Final Inspection Inspectors verify: - Proper electrical connections - Door hardware function (lock and release) - Fire alarm integration working - Egress requirements maintained - ADA compliance ## Permit Fees | Service | Fee | |---------|-----| | Residential Alarm | $50/year | | Commercial Alarm | $100/year | | Low-Voltage Electrical | Based on valuation | | Re-inspection | Varies | ## Pro Tips for McKinney Access Control 1. **Register Alarm First** - Get alarm permit before electrical permit 2. **Use 2024 Codes** - McKinney adopted latest code cycle 3. **Coordinate With Fire Marshal** - For any life safety integration 4. **Plan for Growth** - Size infrastructure for future expansion ## Timeline - **Alarm Registration:** Same day to 3 days - **Electrical Permit:** 3-5 business days review - **Inspection:** 24-48 hour scheduling ## Contact Information **McKinney Police Department** (Alarm Permits) - Phone: (972) 547-2700 - Address: 2200 Taylor Burk Drive, McKinney, TX 75071 **McKinney Development Services** - Permit Portal: Online at City website - Phone: (972) 547-7480 - Address: 221 N. Tennessee Street, McKinney, TX 75069 **Texas DPS Private Security Bureau** - Website: www.dps.texas.gov/psb - Phone: (512) 424-7293 ## Stay Ahead of Permit Activity Want to know when access control projects hit permits in McKinney before they reach bid boards? [LVN Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed. → [Explore Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) --- *Last verified: January 2026. Requirements may change. Contact McKinney Development Services for current requirements.*