Access Control Permit Requirements in Nassau County, New York

Quick Answer: Nassau County requires alarm permits through the NCPD for access control systems with intrusion detection ($100 residential/$200 commercial every 2 years). You'll need a NYS Security Alarm Installer License for installations, and systems with electromagnetic locks must meet strict egress requirements under NYS Building Code. Building permits vary by municipality within Nassau County.

When Is a Permit Required?

Access control installations in Nassau County involve multiple permit considerations:

NCPD Alarm Permit

Required for access control systems that include:

• Intrusion detection features
• Door forced/held-open alarms
• Panic buttons or duress alarms
• Systems connected to central station monitoring

Building Permits

May be required depending on your municipality for:

• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors
• Wiring through walls or fire-rated assemblies
• Commercial access control installations
• Door modifications for electric strikes
• Integration with fire alarm systems

Permit Exemptions

You typically don't need permits for:

• Standalone keypad or card reader locks (battery-powered)
• Smart locks not connected to alarm monitoring
• Simple residential access control without alarm features

Important: Nassau County contains multiple municipalities with different building permit requirements. Always verify with your specific town or village building department.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

New York State requires licensing for access control installations:

NYS Security Alarm Installer License

Per the NYS Department of State, a license is required when access control includes security/alarm features. Requirements:

• Training: 81-hour approved course
• Examination: Pass NYS state exam
• Age: Minimum 18 years old
• Fingerprinting: Background check required
• Term: 2-year license

For complete state licensing information, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

License Exemptions

• Property owners installing on their own property
• Employees installing on employer's property
• Standalone locks without alarm integration

Penalty for Unlicensed Work

Installing security systems without a license can result in fines up to $10,000.

Electromagnetic Lock Egress Requirements

Access control systems with electromagnetic locks must comply with NYS Building Code and fire safety requirements:

General Egress Requirements

• Power loss: Must automatically unlock door to permit egress
• Panic hardware: Operation must release electromagnetic lock
• UL 294 listing: Locking system units must be listed
• Fire alarm integration: Must unlock on fire alarm activation

Access-Controlled Egress Doors

For electromagnetic locks on means of egress:

• Motion sensor on egress side to detect approaching occupants
• "Push to Exit" button within 5 feet of door (40-48" height)
• Doors must remain unlocked minimum 30 seconds after manual release
• Hardware must be operable with one hand

School Building Restrictions

Per NYS Education Department guidance, electromagnetic locking devices present special concerns in school buildings. NFPA advises that electromagnetic locking systems must be deactivated when buildings are occupied. NYS Building Code Section 1003.3.1.3.4(6) restricts securing entrance doors from the egress side during public occupancy.

NCPD Alarm Registration Process

Registration Fees

Type	New Application	Renewal	Term
Residential	$100	$100	2 years
Business	$200	$200	2 years

How to Register

Nassau County Police Department - Alarm Permit Section
Phone: (516) 573-7862 or (516) 573-7298
Email: alarms@pdcn.org
Online: alarm.pdcn.org

False Alarm Policy

• Registered systems: 2 false alarms allowed per calendar year
• Exceeding limit: Subject to suspension, revocation, or "No Police Response Mode"
• Unregistered systems: Penalty fee per alarm activation
• Continued non-compliance: Location placed in No Response Mode

Building Permit Process by Municipality

Nassau County contains multiple jurisdictions with separate building departments:

Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Building Department
1 Washington Street, Hempstead
Issues permits, maintains zoning maps

Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Building Department
210 Plandome Road, Manhasset
Issues building permits, enforces codes

Town of Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Planning Department
74 Audrey Avenue
Enforces codes, issues permits, conducts inspections

Village of Freeport

Freeport Building Department
46 North Ocean Avenue
Accepts cash, check, or money order

For your specific municipality, see Nassau County Building and Zoning Permits.

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Frequency
NCPD alarm permit (residential)	$100	Every 2 years
NCPD alarm permit (commercial)	$200	Every 2 years
Building permit	Varies by municipality	Per project
False alarm penalty	Escalating	After 2 per year

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

For homes in Nassau County:

• Smart locks generally permit-exempt
• Alarm permit required if monitoring included
• Building permits rarely needed
• NYS license required if installed by contractor

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Security Alarm Installer License mandatory
• NCPD alarm registration for monitored systems
• Building permits likely required (check municipality)
• Fire code compliance for electromagnetic locks
• ADA compliance for hardware placement
• Integration documentation if tied to fire alarm

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Understand egress code before design. Electromagnetic locks on egress doors are heavily regulated. Review NYS Building Code and consult with the local AHJ before specifying mag locks. Improper installations face inspection failures and liability issues.

2. Know your municipality. Nassau County has dozens of separate building departments. What applies in Hempstead differs from Oyster Bay. Always call the local building department before starting work.

3. Register alarm features promptly. If your access control system includes any alarm features (door forced, duress buttons), register with NCPD before final testing. Unregistered systems face penalties on first activation.

4. Document fire alarm integration. When access control ties into fire alarm for emergency unlock, have your sequence of operations documented and tested. Inspectors will verify this integration works properly.

5. School projects require extra scrutiny. NYS Education Department has specific guidance on electromagnetic locks in schools. These projects often require special approval and may face restrictions on mag lock use.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Nassau County Police Alarm Permit
• Nassau County Building Permits
• NYS Education Department - Access Control Devices

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change—always verify with NCPD and your local building department before beginning work.