Access Control Permit Requirements in Richland County, South Carolina

Installing access control systems in Richland County involves understanding permit requirements, contractor licensing, and local building codes. This guide covers everything you need to know about card reader, key fob, and electronic door hardware installations in unincorporated Richland County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone low voltage access control. Access control systems operating at 50 volts or below typically don't require electrical permits in South Carolina. However, permits may be required when the installation involves electrical work above 50 volts, modifications to fire-rated doors, integration with fire alarm systems, or is part of a larger construction project.

What Is Considered Access Control?

Access control systems manage entry to buildings, rooms, and secured areas. Common installations include:

• Card reader and key fob entry systems
• Keypad and PIN code entry
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Electric door locks (mag locks, electric strikes, mortise locks)
• Door controllers and access panels
• Video intercom systems
• Gate and barrier access systems
• Turnstiles and mantraps

When Does Richland County Require Permits?

The Richland County Building Permitting and Inspections Department protects communities by ensuring homes, businesses, and public spaces are safe and up to code. While standalone low voltage access control typically doesn't require permits, these scenarios may trigger requirements:

Scenarios That May Require a Permit

• Fire-rated door modifications: Installing hardware on fire doors requires inspection
• Integration with fire alarms: Door release tied to fire systems needs Fire Marshal approval
• Electrical work above 50 volts: New circuits for power supplies may need electrical permits
• New construction: Access control as part of building permits
• Commercial tenant improvements: Build-outs that include security as part of scope
• Gate and barrier installations: May require building and/or electrical permits
• Projects over $5,000: Commercial projects may trigger contractor licensing thresholds

Work That Is Typically Exempt

• Standalone card reader installations using PoE
• Battery-powered smart locks
• Wireless access control systems
• Replacing existing access control hardware
• Adding readers to existing systems
• Keypad installations on standard doors

How Do I Apply for a Permit in Richland County?

If your project requires a permit, Richland County offers online permitting through their eTRAKiT system:

1. Determine permit type: Building, electrical, or fire depending on scope
2. Access the portal: Use Richland County eTRAKiT system
3. Complete application: Submit project details and plans if required
4. Pay fees: Process payment through the system
5. Schedule inspections: Request inspection when work is complete

Contact Information

Richland County Building Permitting and Inspections

• Online Portal: Richland County eTRAKiT
• Website: Building Permitting and Inspections
• Building Permits Info: Richland County Building Permits

What Are the Fees for Access Control Permits?

When permits are required, Richland County charges fees based on project scope. As of July 2025, Richland County implemented an updated fee schedule:

Permit Type	Typical Fee Range	Notes
Low Voltage/Electrical	$50 - $150	Basic installations
Building Permit	Based on valuation	For structural modifications
Plan Review	Additional fee	Commercial projects

Contact Richland County directly for current fee schedules, as rates were updated in July 2025.

What Contractor License Do I Need in South Carolina?

South Carolina has specific licensing exemptions for low voltage work. For complete licensing details, see our guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements.

Key Licensing Points for Access Control

• 50-volt exemption: Work at or below 50 volts is exempt from electrical contractor licensing
• Camera system exemption: Card access systems are specifically exempt from alarm licensing under SC law
• Commercial threshold: Projects exceeding $5,000 require a licensed contractor
• Residential threshold: Residential projects over $200 require licensing
• Door hardware: Locksmith work may have separate requirements

South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board

• Address: 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: (803) 896-4686
• Email: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov
• Website: SC Contractors' Licensing Board

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Typical timelines for Richland County permits:

Project Type	Review Time	Notes
Residential	1-3 business days	Simple applications
Commercial	1-3 weeks	May require plan review
Inspections	24-48 hours	After scheduling

Residential vs Commercial Access Control

Residential Installations

For home access control systems in Richland County:

• Smart locks and keypad entry typically don't require permits
• Homeowners can install their own low voltage systems
• If hiring a contractor for projects over $200, verify licensing
• Video doorbell systems are generally permit-exempt
• Gate operators may require electrical permits depending on power requirements

Commercial Installations

For business access control projects:

• May require permits if part of larger construction scope
• Projects over $5,000 require licensed contractors
• Fire-rated door hardware modifications require inspection
• Integration with fire alarm systems needs Fire Marshal coordination
• ADA compliance required for accessible entries
• Plan review may be required for large installations

What Does an Access Control Installation Cost in South Carolina?

Typical costs for access control installations in the Richland County area:

System Type	Cost Per Door	Notes
Card/Fob Reader	$1,000 - $2,500	Most affordable option
Standard Electronic Lock	$1,000 - $4,000	Varies by lock type
Biometric System	$2,300 - $10,000	Fingerprint/facial recognition

Additional costs include cards/fobs for users, software licensing, and ongoing maintenance.

Fire-Rated Door Considerations

When installing access control on fire-rated doors, special considerations apply:

• Hardware certification: Electric locks must maintain fire door rating
• Fail-safe vs fail-secure: Fire codes typically require fail-safe (unlock on power loss)
• Fire alarm integration: Doors must release on fire alarm activation
• Inspection required: Fire Marshal may need to approve installation
• Documentation: Maintain hardware certifications and installation records

Contact the Richland County Fire Marshal at (803) 929-6000 for fire door requirements.

Pro Tips for Richland County Access Control Projects

1. Verify jurisdiction: City of Columbia has separate requirements from unincorporated Richland County
2. Check fire door ratings: Don't compromise fire ratings with improper hardware
3. Plan for power: Determine if existing circuits can handle the load
4. Consider integration: Plan for camera and alarm integration upfront
5. Document everything: Keep installation records even when permits aren't required
6. Use the online portal: eTRAKiT streamlines permit applications and searches

City of Columbia vs Richland County

Permit requirements differ between jurisdictions:

• Richland County: Covers unincorporated areas, use eTRAKiT portal
• City of Columbia: Has separate Planning & Development department, visit Columbia Permit Applications

Verify which jurisdiction applies to your project address before starting work.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Richland County

• Security Camera Permits in Richland County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Richland County
• South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Richland County Building Permitting and Inspections before starting work.