Access Control Permit Requirements in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina require permits and inspections per NC General Statute. Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement processes permits, and commercial projects must document electromagnetic lock locations on Building Code Summary plans. While some low voltage work may be exempt from licensed contractor requirements, permits and inspections are still required.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

In Mecklenburg County, permits are required for the installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of electrical systems. Access control projects typically need permits when:

• Installing electromagnetic locks (maglocks) on egress doors
• Running control wiring through walls, ceilings, or floors
• Electric strike installations
• Delayed egress systems
• Card reader and controller installations
• Integration with fire alarm systems
• Multi-door networked access control systems

Low-Voltage Exemptions

Some low voltage systems may be exempt from licensed contractor requirements if conditions in NC Admin Code are met. However, permits and inspections are still required regardless of licensing exemption status.

North Carolina Contractor Licensing

Access control contractors need appropriate licensing:

SP-LV License

The NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues SP-LV (Special Restricted - Low Voltage) licenses. See 21 NC Admin Code 18B.0804 and 18B.0805 for scope and exemptions.

NC Alarm Systems License

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board licenses contractors installing monitored access control systems.

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

Mecklenburg County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Contact Code Enforcement

The Code Info & Resource Center (CIRC) assists customers through the permitting, plan review, and inspection process:

• Location: 2145 Suttle Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208
• Phone: 980-314-CODE
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For commercial projects, the Building Code Summary (Appendix B) must include:

• Location of doors with electromagnetic egress locks (per Section 1010.1.9.9)
• Location of doors with delayed egress locks
• Floor plans showing controller and reader locations
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment specifications
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through:

• Online Portal: Mecklenburg County Permitting
• Forms: Code Enforcement Forms
• CIRC: Code Info & Resource Center

Step 4: Inspections

Schedule inspections when work is complete. Inspectors verify proper installation and egress compliance.

NC Building Code Egress Requirements

Mecklenburg County follows NC Building Code Chapter 10 - Means of Egress. Critical requirements for access control:

General Egress Rule

Except as specifically permitted by code, egress doors must be readily openable from the egress side without use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Electric locking systems (electro-mechanical and electromagnetic) are permitted on egress doors only under specific conditions:

• Must release upon loss of power (fail-safe)
• Must release upon fire alarm activation
• Request-to-exit devices required
• Cannot impede free egress during emergencies
• Group I-1 occupancies have specific clinical containment provisions

Documentation Requirements

Commercial Building Code Summary (Appendix B) must show:

• Location of all electromagnetic egress locks
• Location of delayed egress locks and delay time

Alarm Registration

If your access control system includes intrusion detection that triggers police response:

• Must register with Charlotte/Mecklenburg County
• Registration required for residents within Charlotte city limits or unincorporated Mecklenburg County
• Permit valid for 12 months from issuance
• Non-transferable between addresses
• Fire, automotive, and medical alarms do not require registration

False Alarm Program: Charlotte False Alarm Reduction

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	Processing Time
Residential Low Voltage	$50 - $100	1-3 business days
Commercial (1-4 doors)	$100 - $250	3-5 business days
Commercial (complex systems)	$250 - $500+	5-10 business days
Alarm Registration	Per municipality	Immediate

Contact Code Enforcement at 980-314-CODE for specific fee information.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks and keypad systems
• Permit may be required for wired systems
• Alarm registration if monitored with police dispatch

Commercial Access Control

• Full permit application required
• Electromagnetic lock locations documented on Appendix B
• Compliance with NC Building Code egress requirements
• Fire alarm integration documentation
• ADA accessibility compliance

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Document electromagnetic locks: Building Code Summary requires specific location documentation
• Permits still required: Even with low-voltage licensing exemption, permits and inspections are mandatory
• Contact CIRC first: The Code Info & Resource Center helps navigate complex permitting requirements
• Fail-safe required: All egress door locks must unlock on power loss
• Register alarms: If system triggers police dispatch, registration is required
• Plan for inspections: Schedule adequate time for egress and electrical inspections

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in Mecklenburg County, NC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Mecklenburg County, NC
• Access Control Permits in Charlotte, NC
• North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide