Access Control Permit Requirements in Reading, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Reading 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 Reading 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 Marshal approval
• Delayed egress locking systems

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 installation of electrical systems regulated by the Uniform Construction Code requires a permit. Contact Reading's Building and Trades department at 1-877-727-3234 to confirm requirements.

Pennsylvania Code Requirements for Access Control

Pennsylvania has specific requirements for electronic locking systems that prevent immediate egress.

Mandatory Approval Requirements

Per Pennsylvania Code, doors equipped with 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 verifying the system will shut down properly during emergencies
• 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 (34 Pa. Code § 50.24)

Requirement	Specification
Panic hardware width	Minimum 1/2 of door leaf width
Mounting height	30 to 44 inches above floor
Release force	Maximum 15 pounds
Locks during occupancy	No lock preventing egress permitted

Electromagnetic Lock (Mag-Lock) Requirements

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

Access-Controlled Egress Doors

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
Motion sensor	Required on egress side to detect approach
Fire alarm integration	Must unlock on alarm activation

Delayed Egress Systems

Delayed egress locking systems have additional restrictions:

• Not permitted: Group A (Assembly), E (Educational), H (High-Hazard) occupancies
• Required: Building must have sprinkler system or smoke/heat detection throughout
• Standard delay: Maximum 15 seconds after 3-second push
• Extended delay: Up to 30 seconds where approved

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
• UCC compliance mandatory: All installations must meet Uniform Construction Code standards
• Qualified personnel: Work must be performed by qualified individuals
• Home Improvement Registration: Required for contractors performing $5,000+ annually

Reading Local Requirements

• Contact Building and Trades department for specific requirements
• Fire Marshal approval may be required for egress door systems
• Business registration recommended

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Contact Reading's Building and Trades department to confirm whether your specific installation requires permits.

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 to:

Reading Building and Trades Department
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-30
Reading, PA 19601
Citizen's Service Center: 1-877-727-3234

Step 4: Obtain Fire Marshal Approval (If Required)

For systems on egress doors, obtain approval from:

City of Reading - Fire Marshal's Office
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41
Reading, PA 19601

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

After installation, schedule inspection to verify code compliance.

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	Contact Fire Marshal	Additional 3-5 days

Fees are estimates. Contact Building and Trades for current fees.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Smart locks and keypad systems typically don't require permits
• No egress door restrictions for single-family homes
• 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)
• Written approval required for electronic locks on egress
• Manufacturer statement required for emergency release verification

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—it's often overlooked.

Plan Fire Alarm Integration First: Coordinate with the fire alarm contractor before installation. The access control system must interface properly with the existing FACP for emergency release.

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

Understand 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.

Contact Information

Reading Building and Trades Department
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-30
Reading, PA 19601
Citizen's Service Center: 1-877-727-3234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fire Marshal's Office
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41
Reading, PA 19601

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Related Guides

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

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Reading Building and Trades before beginning work.