Access Control Permit Requirements in Prince William County, Virginia
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Most access control in Prince William County is permit-exempt under 50V. Fire-rated doors and egress require Fire Marshal review. Virginia DCJS and DPOR licensing mandatory.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Prince William County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Prince William County are exempt from building permits when operating at 50 volts or less. However, systems affecting fire-rated doors or egress require Fire Marshal review. Virginia DCJS and DPOR licensing is mandatory regardless of permit requirements.
When Are Permits Required?
Prince William County follows Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) guidelines, with the 2021 VUSBC effective January 18, 2025. According to the Low Voltage Permit Requirements:
Permits Generally NOT Required:
- Low-voltage wiring under 50 volts (including security systems)
- Standard card reader and keypad installations
- Electric strike installations on non-rated doors
- Standalone access control systems
- Wireless access control devices
Permits ARE Required When:
- Access control affects fire-rated doors or assemblies
- Systems control egress from buildings
- Delayed egress or electromagnetic locks on fire doors
- Integration with fire alarm systems
- New electrical circuits over 50 volts
- Work part of larger permitted construction
Important: Even when permits are not required, all work must meet code requirements and be performed by properly licensed contractors.
Fire Marshal Review Requirements
Access control affecting life safety requires Fire Marshal Office review:
Special Locking Systems:
- Delayed egress devices on required exits
- Electromagnetic locks on fire doors
- Access control on smoke barrier doors
- Systems affecting means of egress
Submission Requirements:
- Submit through Fire Marshal ePlans
- Include door hardware schedules
- Show fire-rated door locations
- Document fail-safe/fail-secure configurations
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Prince William County requires proper state licensing for all access control work:
DCJS Electronic Security License
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires licensing for:
- Companies providing electronic security equipment
- Installing or servicing access control systems
- Any work involving security technology
DCJS Requirements:
- Electronic Security Business License
- Designated compliance agent
- Background checks for all employees
- Training certification for technicians
- Physical Virginia address for records
DPOR Contractor License
The Virginia DPOR requires contractor licensing:
| License Class | Experience | Contract Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 5 years | Unlimited |
| Class B | 3 years | $120,000 per project |
| Class C | 2 years | $10,000 per project |
Prince William County Business License
Local business license required to operate in the county, even with valid state licenses.
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.
Permit Application Process
When permits are required for access control in Prince William County:
Step 1: Determine Permit Need
- Review Do I Need a Permit? guidelines
- Identify fire-rated door impacts
- Check egress requirements
Step 2: Submit Through ePortal
- Access Prince William County ePortal
- Submit electrical permit application
- Upload system plans and specifications
- Include contractor license documentation
Step 3: Fire Marshal Review (If Required)
- Submit special locking system documentation
- Include door hardware schedules
- Coordinate with building permit if applicable
Contact Information:
Building Development Division
5 County Complex Court, Suite 120
Prince William, VA 22192
Phone: (703) 792-6930
Permit Team: (703) 792-6924
Email: BDpermit@pwcgov.org
Fire Marshal Office
5 County Complex Court, Suite 160
Prince William, VA 22192
Phone: (703) 792-6360
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit (when required) | $75-$125 | 3-5 business days |
| Fire Marshal Review | Additional fee | 5-10 business days |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Next business day |
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Installations
- Generally permit-exempt for low voltage access control
- No permits for doorbell, keypad, or smart lock systems
- DCJS-licensed contractor required for security work
- HOA approval may be needed for exterior modifications
- Work must meet code even without permit
Commercial Installations
- Permit-exempt for basic low voltage access control
- Fire Marshal review required for egress-related hardware
- Special locking systems require documentation
- Building permit coordination for larger projects
- DCJS and DPOR licensing mandatory
2021 VUSBC Compliance
As of January 18, 2025, all Prince William County construction permits must comply with the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Key access control considerations:
- Special locking arrangements per IBC Section 1010
- Delayed egress device requirements
- Electromagnetic lock fail-safe provisions
- Access control on smoke barrier doors
- Integration with fire alarm release
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
Understand the permit exemption limits. While basic access control is permit-exempt, the moment you touch fire-rated doors or egress paths, Fire Marshal involvement begins. Know the boundaries before bidding.
Document everything anyway. Even without permits, maintain installation records. If issues arise during future building inspections, documentation proves code compliance.
Get both state licenses. Virginia has a dual-licensing system. Many contractors have DPOR but forget DCJS. You need both for access control work.
Coordinate with building permits. If access control is part of tenant improvement or new construction, coordinate with the general contractor permit to avoid conflicts.
Verify fire door ratings. Before installing any hardware on fire doors, verify the rating and ensure your equipment is listed for that application. Non-listed hardware on rated doors is a code violation.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in Prince William County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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