Access Control Permit Requirements in Racine County, Wisconsin

Installing access control systems in Racine County, Wisconsin? Whether you are securing a commercial building in the City of Racine, a healthcare facility in Mount Pleasant, or an office complex in Caledonia, understanding permit requirements helps you deliver compliant installations.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

For most basic access control installations, no permit is required. Wisconsin exempts low voltage work (50 volts or less) from state electrical licensing and permitting. However, access control hardware affecting fire egress must comply with Wisconsin building and fire codes.

Wisconsin Fire Code Requirements for Egress Hardware

Access control on exit doors must comply with Wisconsin Building Code Chapter 10 (Means of Egress).

Delayed Egress Locks

• Building must have automatic sprinkler system OR smoke/heat detection
• Prohibited in Assembly (A), Educational (E), and High Hazard (H) occupancies
• Maximum 15-second delay
• Must unlock on fire alarm, sprinkler activation, and power loss
• Must be deactivatable from fire command center
• Signage required at door

Electromagnetic Locks

• Must be fail-safe (release on power loss)
• Require request-to-exit devices
• Must interface with fire alarm system

Do You Need a Contractor License?

Wisconsin does not require a specific low voltage or access control license. Professional contractors should maintain business registration and liability insurance.

For details, see our Wisconsin Low Voltage License Guide.

City of Racine Building Department

For building permits in the City of Racine:

Building Department
730 Washington Avenue, Room 304
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-9464

ADA Compliance

• Card reader mounting: 48 inches maximum height
• Door operating force: 5 lbs maximum
• Adequate maneuvering clearance at controlled doors

Pro Tips for Racine County Contractors

• Know building occupancy type - delayed egress is prohibited in some
• Coordinate with fire alarm contractors for egress door integration
• Test all release mechanisms before turnover
• Use proper signage at delayed egress doors

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Wisconsin and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

Explore LVN Signal

Key Contacts

• City of Racine Building: (262) 636-9464
• Wisconsin DSPS Building Codes: Means of Egress (Chapter 10)

Related Permit Guides for Racine County

• Security Camera Permits in Racine County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Racine County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Racine County

Summary

For most access control installations in Racine County, no permit is required due to the low voltage exemption. However, hardware affecting fire egress must comply with Wisconsin fire codes requiring sprinklers or detection, fire alarm integration, and fail-safe operation.