Access Control Permit Requirements in Rochester, New York

Quick Answer: Access control system installations in Rochester may require electrical permits from the Bureau of Buildings and Compliance if work involves electrical wiring covered by the National Electrical Code. Under Rochester City Code, electrical work under 50 volts covered by NEC provisions requires permits. Contractors installing access control connected to security monitoring must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License. Systems with electromagnetic locks on egress doors must comply with NY State Building and Fire Code requirements.

When Are Permits Required in Rochester?

Access control systems fall under Rochester electrical licensing ordinance depending on scope:

Permits Typically Required

• Electrical work over 50 volts
• Low voltage work (under 50 volts) covered by National Electrical Code
• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors (fire code compliance)
• Systems integrated with fire alarm for emergency release
• Commercial installations affecting building egress
• New electrical circuits for access control panels

Permits May Not Be Required

• Battery-operated standalone locks
• Wireless systems using existing power circuits
• Simple keypad locks not connected to building systems
• Replacing existing devices without new wiring

Contact the City of Rochester Bureau of Buildings and Compliance to confirm requirements for your specific project.

New York State Contractor Licensing

When State License Is Required

Under NYS regulation 19 NYCRR 195.2, a Security or Fire Alarm Installer License is required for:

• Electronic entry systems for intrusion detection or monitoring
• Access control integrated with alarm monitoring
• Video intercom systems used for security
• Card readers and keypads connected to security systems

When License Is NOT Required

• Standalone electronic locks not connected to monitoring
• Simple keypad entry without alarm integration
• Property owners installing on their own property
• Employees working under licensed installer

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved training
Examination	State exam required
Background Check	Required
Fee	$185-$200
Term	2 years

Penalty: Up to $10,000 for unlicensed security system installation.

Rochester Electrical Licensing Ordinance

Rochester has its own Electrical Licensing Ordinance (Chapter 49) that affects access control work:

Key Requirements

• Electrical permit required for work over 50 volts
• Electrical permit required for work under 50 volts when covered by NEC
• Licensed electrical contractors required for permit work
• Contractors must apply through Department of Neighborhood and Business Development

License Application

Applicants for electrical license must submit applications via:

• Paper forms at permit office
• Digital forms through online portal
• Must specify license type being requested

Building Code Requirements

Rochester follows the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code with local amendments.

Egress Requirements

Access control on egress doors must maintain code compliance:

• Controlled Access / Free Egress: Card reader limits entry, but egress must be unobstructed
• Hardware must be readily openable from egress side without key or special knowledge
• Electromagnetic locks require fire alarm integration
• Manual release button required within 5 feet of secured door
• Doors must unlock on fire alarm activation

Plan Review

The Bureau of Buildings and Compliance reviews all building permit documents for compliance with:

• New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code
• New York State Energy Conservation Code
• City Charter Section 39-208

Rochester Permit Application Process

Online Submission Required

Rochester implemented the Infor software system in May 2023. Permit submissions are only accepted online:

1. Upload electronic plans to City of Rochester Plan Review page
2. Documents must be in TIFF or PDF-A format
3. Submit 2 complete sets of construction documents
4. Pay applicable permit fees
5. Schedule inspection after installation

Contact Information

Office	Details
Bureau of Buildings and Compliance	Department of Neighborhood and Business Development
Permits and Licenses	(585) 428-6520
Building Permit Fees	See Building Code Chapter 39
Online Portal	cityofrochester.gov/permits-and-licenses

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
NYS Security Installer License	$185-$200	4-8 weeks
Rochester Electrical Permit	Per Chapter 39 fee schedule	Plan review required
Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule after installation

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks and keypads typically do not require permits if no new wiring
• Homeowners can self-install without state license
• Hardwired systems may require electrical permit
• Multi-family buildings have stricter requirements

Commercial Access Control

• Egress code requirements strictly enforced
• Fire alarm integration required for maglocks
• ADA accessibility requirements apply
• Certificate of occupancy may be affected
• Contractor must hold appropriate state and local licenses

Common Access Control Configurations

Card Reader Systems

ID badges, proximity cards, and key fobs are common commercial solutions. Installation typically requires:

• Door-mounted reader
• Access control panel
• Cloud-based or intranet management dashboard
• Low voltage wiring from reader to panel
• Electric strike or maglock at each door

Keypad Entry

• Standalone keypads may not require permits
• Networked keypads follow same requirements as card readers
• Relatively quick installation if compatible with existing wiring

Biometric Systems

Fingerprint, facial recognition, and other biometric readers follow same permit requirements as card systems.

Pro Tips from Experienced Installers

• Verify NEC coverage: Even under 50 volts, if NEC covers the work, permits are required in Rochester. Call (585) 428-6520 to clarify.
• Use PDF-A format: Rochester only accepts TIFF or PDF-A for electronic plan submissions. Convert files before uploading.
• Plan for egress compliance: Maglocks on egress doors require fire alarm integration. Budget for this from the start.
• State license for monitored systems: If access control connects to security monitoring, you need the NYS alarm installer license.
• Online submission only: Rochester moved to fully digital permitting in 2023. Paper applications are not accepted.
• Coordinate trades: Access control touches electrical, fire alarm, and sometimes network infrastructure. Coordinate early.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Rochester, NY
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Rochester, NY
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Buffalo, NY
• Browse All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Rochester - Building Permit Types and Applications
• City of Rochester - Electrical Licensing Ordinance
• City of Rochester - Building Code Review
• NYS Department of State - Building Standards and Codes