Access Control Permit Requirements in Salt Lake County, Utah
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Complete guide to access control permit requirements in Salt Lake County, Utah. Learn about MSD permits, Utah contractor licensing, fees, and inspection requirements.
Access Control Permit Requirements in Salt Lake County, Utah
Installing access control systems in Salt Lake County requires understanding both local permit requirements and Utah state licensing rules. The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD) handles permits for unincorporated areas including Magna, Kearns, White City, Emigration Canyon, and other unincorporated regions of Salt Lake County.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?
Generally yes for new installations. The Greater Salt Lake MSD requires building permits for any electrical work that involves adding, deleting, or altering electrical circuits. Since access control systems require low-voltage wiring and often connect to door hardware and electrical systems, most new installations will need a permit. Standalone battery-powered locks that don't require wiring typically don't need permits.
What Access Control Work Requires a Permit in Salt Lake County?
According to the Greater Salt Lake MSD, the following access control work requires a building permit:
- Installing new access control panels or controllers
- Running new low-voltage wiring for card readers, keypads, or biometric devices
- Installing electric door strikes, magnetic locks, or automated door operators
- Adding access control to existing doors with new wiring
- Any work that modifies existing electrical circuits
- Commercial access control installations with multiple doors
When Is a Permit NOT Required?
Some minor access control work may be exempt from permits:
- Replacing existing access control devices with equivalent equipment using existing wiring
- Installing standalone battery-powered smart locks
- Programming changes to existing access control systems
- Adding users or credentials to existing systems
When in doubt, contact the MSD Building Services department to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit.
Do You Need a License to Install Access Control in Utah?
Yes. Utah requires contractors performing access control work to hold appropriate licensing from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). The specific requirements include:
- Burglar Alarm Company License: Required for access control systems that integrate with alarm monitoring
- Low Voltage Technician License: For low-voltage wiring and installation work
- Specialty Contractor License: May be required for commercial installations involving electrical modifications
To obtain a specialty contractor license, you must complete a 25-hour pre-licensure course, maintain general liability insurance ($100,000 per incident/$300,000 total), and register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations.
For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.
How to Apply for an Access Control Permit in Salt Lake County
The Greater Salt Lake MSD uses an online portal for permit applications:
- Create an account on the CityWorks public portal at msd.utah.gov
- New contractors: Fill out the new contractor form to be added to the system
- Submit application with project details and scope of work
- Provide documentation: Plans showing device locations, wiring routes, and door hardware specifications
- Pay permit fees (see fee schedule below)
- Schedule inspections after installation is complete
Required Documentation
- Site plan showing all access points and device locations
- Wiring diagrams for the access control system
- Equipment specifications and cut sheets
- Contractor license verification
- For commercial projects: Stamped electrical drawings may be required
What Are the Permit Fees for Access Control in Salt Lake County?
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential low-voltage permit | $50-$100 |
| Commercial electrical permit | $100-$300+ |
| Plan review (commercial) | Additional 65% of permit fee |
| Re-inspection fee | $50+ |
Fees vary based on project scope and valuation. Contact the MSD Building Services department for exact fee quotes for your specific project.
How Long Does the Permit Process Take?
| Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Residential permit approval | 1-3 business days |
| Commercial plan review | 5-10 business days |
| Inspection scheduling | Next business day (call before 3 PM) |
| Final inspection and sign-off | Same day if passed |
Residential vs Commercial Access Control Permits
Residential Projects
Home access control installations are generally straightforward:
- Simpler permit process with faster approval
- Lower fees than commercial projects
- Basic inspection requirements
- Systems typically include smart locks, video intercoms, and single-door access points
Commercial Projects
Commercial access control installations have additional requirements:
- More detailed plan review process
- Fire code compliance for access-controlled egress doors
- ADA compliance for door hardware and automatic operators
- Integration requirements with fire alarm systems for door release
- Emergency power and fail-safe/fail-secure considerations
Fire Code and Egress Requirements
Access control on egress doors must comply with fire and life safety codes:
- Fire alarm integration: Access-controlled doors on egress paths must release upon fire alarm activation
- Power failure: Doors must fail in a safe manner (typically fail-unlocked for egress)
- Request-to-exit devices: Required on the interior side of locked egress doors
- 15-second rule: Delayed egress locks cannot delay exit more than 15 seconds with specific code requirements
The Utah State Fire Marshal's office has jurisdiction over fire code compliance. Coordinate with both MSD building inspectors and fire officials for commercial projects.
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Register as a contractor first: New contractors must complete the MSD registration before submitting permit applications
- Document existing conditions: Photos of existing doors and electrical panels help during plan review
- Coordinate with fire alarm: For commercial projects, ensure access control integrates properly with existing fire alarm systems
- Call before 3 PM: Inspections must be scheduled by 3 PM for next-business-day service
- ADA compliance: Automatic door operators must meet accessibility requirements for reach and timing
MSD Contact Information
- Physical Address: 860 W. Levoy Dr., Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123
- Mailing Address: Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District, PO Box 147700, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-7700
- Inspection Hotline: (385) 910-5830
- Email: inspections@msd.utah.gov
- Online Portal: msd.utah.gov
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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