Access Control Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
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Complete guide to access control permit requirements in Philadelphia County, PA including electrical contractor licensing, burglar alarm registration, and residential vs commercial requirements.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Quick Answer: Philadelphia County (coterminous with the City of Philadelphia) requires electrical permits for access control system installations performed by licensed electrical contractors. Low voltage wiring in one-and-two family dwellings may be exempt, but commercial work typically requires permits. Burglar alarms must be registered with a $50 annual fee.
When Do You Need an Access Control Permit in Philadelphia County?
Access control systems fall under electrical permit requirements in Philadelphia since they involve electrical and communication system components. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) oversees all permit issuance.
Projects Typically Requiring Permits
- Commercial building card access systems
- Electric door strikes and magnetic locks
- Biometric access systems
- Multi-door access control deployments
- Systems requiring new electrical circuits
- Integration with fire alarm systems
- Elevator access control integration
Potential Exemptions
According to Philadelphia Administrative Code Title 4-A-301.2.3:
- Low voltage wiring in one-and-two family dwellings
- Low voltage wiring in Group U structures (utility buildings)
- Telecommunications wiring (data, security) except fire alarm
Even when permits are not required, a licensed electrical contractor must perform all electrical work in Philadelphia, including low voltage installations.
Electrical Contractor License Requirements
Philadelphia requires licensed electrical contractors for all electrical work, including access control and low voltage systems.
License Qualifications
- Minimum four years employment doing electrical work for a licensed company
- Pass the Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination (administered by ICC)
- Complete at least eight hours of coursework in current NFPA 70
- Coursework must be completed within 12 months of application
- Course provider must be approved by PA Department of Labor and Industry
Additional Requirements
- Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Insurance as determined by Office of Risk Management
- Automobile Liability Insurance of $300,000
- $60 non-refundable application fee
For complete Pennsylvania licensing details, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Guide.
Burglar Alarm Registration
In addition to installation permits, Philadelphia requires registration of all burglar alarm systems.
Registration Requirements
- Annual fee: $50
- Fee covers one year beginning the 1st day of the month when installed or when activation is reported to police
- Unregistered alarm systems subject to $150-$300 fine
- Registration through City of Philadelphia Department of Finance
Why Registration Matters
Help customers understand that alarm registration is separate from installation permits. Systems without proper registration create liability for both the property owner and potentially the installer who failed to inform them of the requirement.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Verify Permit Requirements
Contact L&I to confirm whether your specific access control project requires a permit or qualifies for exemption under low voltage telecommunications provisions.
Step 2: Hire Licensed Contractor
Only licensed electrical contractors can perform electrical work in Philadelphia. If the contractor is not the applicant, provide a signed statement on contractor letterhead affirming association with the project.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through:
- Online: eCLIPSE system at eclipse.phila.gov
- In Person: Permit and License Center, 1401 JFK Blvd., MSB Concourse
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Apply under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Step 4: EZ Permits (If Eligible)
Some work qualifies for EZ permits without plan submission, including work on one-or-two family dwellings where connected load is less than 200 amps and equipment is rated 600V or less.
Step 5: Inspection
The owner or owner's agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform all inspections. The agency completes an electrical permit inspection certification. A Certificate of Approval is issued upon successful completion.
Fees and Timeline
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Electrical Contractor License Application | $60 (non-refundable) |
| Electrical Permit | Contact L&I for quote |
| Burglar Alarm Registration | $50/year |
| Unregistered Alarm Fine | $150-$300 |
Processing Timeline: EZ permits can process within days. Standard permits requiring plan review may take 1-3 weeks depending on complexity.
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Access Control
Residential projects may qualify for simplified permitting:
- Smart locks and keyless entry systems
- Video doorbells with access control features
- Garage door access systems
- Gate access for residential driveways
Low voltage wiring in one-and-two family dwellings may be exempt from permits, but work must still be performed by licensed contractors.
Commercial Access Control
Commercial projects typically require full permits:
- Multi-door card access systems
- Visitor management systems
- Integration with building management systems
- Server room and data center access
- Elevator floor access control
- Parking garage access systems
Most electrical work requires a Building Permit. If the project scope does not trigger Building Permit requirements, this must be noted on the Electrical Permit application.
Annual Permit Option
Institutions and organizations (hospitals, universities) that directly employ licensed tradespeople can obtain Annual Permits. These allow routine maintenance and component replacement in previously approved systems without individual permits for each service call.
Code Updates
Philadelphia follows the 2018 ICC codes with local exceptions. The current applicable National Electrical Code is NEC 2020.
Important: Starting July 1, 2026, Philadelphia will adopt the 2021 I-Codes with state and local modifications. All new permit applications after this date must comply with updated codes.
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Register alarms for customers: Help customers complete burglar alarm registration to avoid fines and ensure full compliance
- Verify permit exemptions: Contact L&I before assuming low voltage work is exempt—requirements can be project-specific
- Document contractor relationship: Keep signed letterhead statements on file when acting as applicant for another contractor
- Plan for inspections: Build inspection scheduling into project timelines—third-party inspection agencies have their own schedules
- Stay current on taxes: License applications are denied if you owe City taxes
- Watch for 2026 code changes: Begin familiarizing yourself with 2021 I-Codes before the July deadline
Contact Information
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Department of Licenses and Inspections | (215) 686-8686 |
| 311 Service | 311 or online request |
| Permit and License Center | 1401 JFK Blvd., MSB Concourse |
| eCLIPSE Permit System | eclipse.phila.gov |
| Alarm Registration | phila.gov alarm registration |
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Philadelphia before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Pennsylvania and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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