Access Control Permit Requirements in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Pittsburgh typically requires permits for access control installations that involve electrical work, fire alarm integration, or modifications to means of egress. Pennsylvania has strict code requirements for electromagnetic locks and electronic locking systems, including mandatory fire alarm integration and emergency egress provisions. No statewide contractor license is required, but compliance with the Uniform Construction Code is mandatory.

When Is a Permit Required?

Access control permit requirements in Pittsburgh depend on the scope of work and integration with other building systems.

Permit Typically Required

• Electromagnetic locks (mag-locks) on means of egress doors
• Access control systems integrated with fire alarm systems
• Electric strikes requiring new electrical circuits
• Modifications to exit doors or panic hardware
• Card reader systems on fire-rated door assemblies
• Systems requiring fire department or AHJ approval

Permit May Not Be Required

• Standalone card readers on interior, non-egress doors
• Battery-powered smart locks on non-fire-rated doors
• Simple keypad entry systems not affecting egress
• Replacement of existing access control hardware in-kind

Under Pennsylvania Code § 403.42, any construction, alteration, or installation of electrical systems regulated by the Uniform Construction Code requires a permit from the building code official. When in doubt, contact Pittsburgh's Permits, Licenses and Inspections department at (412) 255-2621.

Pennsylvania Code Requirements for Access Control

Pennsylvania has specific requirements for electronic locking systems that prevent immediate egress. These rules are critical for any access control installation.

Mandatory Approval Requirements

Per Pennsylvania Code, doors equipped with key-locking devices, electronic card operated systems, or other devices that prevent immediate egress are permitted only if:

• Written approval from the Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Health, or appropriate local building authority
• Manufacturer statement specific to that location verifying the electronic or magnetic locking system will shut down properly
• Conspicuous signage with directions for operation posted near the device

Emergency Release Requirements

All doors with electronic locks must open easily and immediately when:

• Fire alarm system is activated
• Heat detector is triggered
• Smoke detector is triggered
• Power failure occurs (fail-safe requirement)

Exit Door Hardware Standards

Per 34 Pa. Code § 50.24:

• Panic hardware actuating portion must be minimum 1/2 the width of door leaf
• Mounting height: 30 to 44 inches above floor
• Maximum 15 pounds of force to release latch
• No lock or device preventing egress permitted during occupancy

Electromagnetic Lock (Mag-Lock) Requirements

Mag-locks have specific code requirements that must be followed carefully.

Access-Controlled Egress Doors (IBC)

Requirement	Specification
Manual release button	Must directly interrupt power to lock
Unlock duration	Minimum 30 seconds after button press
Button signage	"Push to Exit" required
Button height	40" to 48" above floor
Button location	Within 5 feet of doors
Fire alarm integration	Must unlock on alarm activation
Reset requirement	Doors stay unlocked until system reset

UL Listing Requirements

• UL 294: Required for most access control system units
• UL 10C: Required for mag-locks on fire door assemblies

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide license specifically for access control or low voltage contractors.

Pennsylvania State Requirements

• No state access control license: Pennsylvania does not require a dedicated license for access control installation
• No state electrical contractor license: Pennsylvania does not require a statewide electrical contractor license
• UCC compliance mandatory: All installations must meet Uniform Construction Code standards
• Qualified personnel: Work must be performed by qualified individuals

Pittsburgh Local Requirements

• Check with PLI for any local contractor registration requirements
• Home improvement contractor registration may apply for residential work
• Insurance requirements for commercial projects

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Contact Pittsburgh PLI to confirm whether your specific installation requires permits. Key factors include:

• Door type (egress vs. interior)
• Lock type (mag-lock, electric strike, smart lock)
• Fire alarm integration requirements
• Electrical work scope

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For permitted installations, prepare:

• Site plans showing door and reader locations
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Fire alarm integration details
• Manufacturer's statement for egress door installations
• UL listing documentation

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through OneStopPGH online portal or in person at PLI.

Step 4: Obtain Approvals

For systems on egress doors, obtain written approval from the appropriate authority:

• Local building authority (PLI)
• Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (for certain occupancies)
• Pennsylvania Department of Health (for healthcare facilities)

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

After installation, schedule inspection to verify:

• Fire alarm integration functions correctly
• Manual release operates properly
• Signage is posted
• All code requirements are met

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Simple access control (no permit)	$0	Immediate
Electrical permit	$50-150	3-5 business days
Building permit (egress modifications)	Varies by scope	5-10 business days
Fire alarm integration review	May be included	Additional 3-5 days

Fees are estimates. Confirm current fees with Pittsburgh PLI.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Smart locks and keypad systems typically don't require permits
• No egress door restrictions for single-family homes (occupants can unlock)
• Multi-family dwellings have stricter requirements
• HOA rules may impose additional restrictions

Commercial Installations

• Egress door requirements strictly enforced
• Fire alarm integration typically mandatory
• ADA accessibility requirements apply (reader height 48" max, door force limits)
• Group A, B, E, M occupancies have specific requirements
• Entrance doors cannot be secured from egress side during public hours

ADA Accessibility Requirements

Access control installations must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards:

• Card reader height: Maximum 48 inches for forward reach
• Keypad placement: Accessible height and location
• Door opening force: Maximum 5 lbs for interior doors
• Clear floor space: Required at reader locations
• Operating force: Operable with one hand, no tight grasping required

Pro Tips from the Field

Get the Manufacturer Statement: Pennsylvania requires a location-specific manufacturer statement for electronic locks on egress doors. Request this documentation early in the project—it's often overlooked and can delay final approval.

Plan Fire Alarm Integration First: If the building has a fire alarm system, coordinate with the fire alarm contractor before installation. The access control system must interface properly with the existing FACP.

Don't Forget the Signage: "Push to Exit" signs are code-required at manual release buttons. Have signage ready before the inspection.

Document Everything: Keep records of UL listings, manufacturer statements, and inspection approvals. These documents may be requested during future inspections or building sales.

Consider Fail-Safe vs. Fail-Secure: Egress doors typically require fail-safe locks (unlock on power loss). Interior security doors may use fail-secure. Know which applies to each door in your project.

Contact Information

Pittsburgh Permits, Licenses and Inspections
City-County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 255-2621
Online Portal: OneStopPGH

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Pennsylvania and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Access Control Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Fire Alarm Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Pittsburgh PLI and consult the Authority Having Jurisdiction before beginning work.