Access Control Permit Requirements in San Bernardino County, California
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Complete guide to access control permit requirements in San Bernardino County, CA. Learn about licensing, building permits, BSIS requirements, and fees.
Access Control Permit Requirements in San Bernardino County, California
Quick Answer: Access control system installations in San Bernardino County may require building permits when electrical work is involved. California does not require a BSIS security license specifically for access control installation, but contractors should hold a C-7 Low Voltage license for comprehensive low-voltage work. Permits are submitted through the San Bernardino County EZOP Online Permitting Portal or Accela Citizen Access.
When Are Access Control Permits Required?
San Bernardino County Building and Safety enforces California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Energy Codes. Permits are typically required for:
- New electrical installations including low-voltage wiring
- Electric strike or magnetic lock installations requiring power
- Card reader systems with hardwired connections
- Integration with fire alarm or life safety systems
- Door hardware modifications requiring electrical connections
- Access control panels with dedicated power circuits
Permit Exemptions
Permits may not be required for:
- Standalone battery-powered locks
- Wireless access control devices
- Like-for-like equipment replacements
- Software programming changes
- Credential enrollment and management
- Minor maintenance work
Always verify with San Bernardino County Building and Safety before proceeding without permits.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
California has specific licensing requirements for access control work:
Access Control Installation
California does not require a BSIS security license specifically for access control or CCTV installation. However, contractors should consider:
- C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor: Recommended for comprehensive low-voltage installation work through CSLB
- C-10 Electrical Contractor: Required if work involves line voltage connections
When BSIS ACO License IS Required
A BSIS Alarm Company Operator (ACO) license is required when:
- Installing burglar alarm systems
- Integrating access control with intrusion detection
- Monitoring alarm systems
- Responding to alarm activations
ACO License Requirements
For contractors needing an ACO license:
- Experience: Two years (4,000 hours) of paid alarm company work
- C-7 holders: 4,000-hour requirement waived; can immediately take ACQ exam
- Background check: DOJ and FBI criminal history review
- Qualified Manager: Must designate ACO licensee as qualified manager
For complete California licensing requirements, see our California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements
Contact San Bernardino County Building and Safety to confirm whether your project requires:
- Electrical permit
- Low-voltage permit
- Building permit (for significant construction)
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Typical permit documentation includes:
- Site plan showing building and access points
- Floor plans with device locations
- Riser diagram showing panel and device connections
- Equipment specifications and cut sheets
- Load calculations for power supplies
- Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Application
San Bernardino County offers multiple submission options:
- EZOP Portal: Centralized permit information and applications
- Accela Citizen Access: Online permit submission and tracking
- In-person: County Government Center or High Desert Government Center
Step 4: Plan Review
Building and Safety reviews plans for compliance with California codes including Title 24 regulations.
Step 5: Permit Issuance and Inspection
Once approved, schedule inspections as required for your project type.
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | San Bernardino County Land Use Services - Building and Safety |
| EZOP Portal | wp.sbcounty.gov/ezop/permits |
| Accela Portal | Accela Citizen Access |
| Main Office | 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92415 |
| High Desert Office | 15900 Smoke Tree St., Suite 131, Hesperia, CA 92345 |
BSIS Licensing Contact
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Agency | Bureau of Security and Investigative Services |
| Website | bsis.ca.gov |
| Phone | (916) 322-4000 |
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | $75-$300+ | Based on valuation |
| Plan Review | Included or additional | 5-15 business days |
| Inspection | Included | Schedule after installation |
| ACO License (BSIS) | $465 | Valid 2 years |
| C-7 License (CSLB) | $450 application + $200-$350 initial | Processing varies |
Permit fees vary by project scope. Contact Building and Safety for current fee quotes. Additional school, traffic, or drainage fees may apply.
Inspection Requirements
Typical Inspection Points
- Rough-in inspection: Verify wiring installation before closing walls
- Final inspection: Complete system operational test
Inspection Checklist
- All wiring properly supported and protected
- Equipment mounted per manufacturer specifications
- Door hardware functions correctly
- Emergency egress not impeded
- Fire alarm integration tested (if applicable)
- ADA compliance verified for timing and hardware
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Projects
- Single-family: permits typically required for hardwired systems
- Wireless systems may be permit-exempt
- Multi-family: treat as commercial for permit purposes
- Gate access systems may require additional review
Commercial Projects
- All new installations typically require permits
- Fire alarm integration triggers additional requirements
- ADA compliance for door hardware and timing
- Emergency egress must comply with California Building Code
- Title 24 energy compliance may apply
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Understand licensing scope: Access control alone does not require ACO license, but alarm integration does
- C-7 advantage: C-7 license holders can bypass 4,000-hour requirement for ACO licensing
- Use online portals: EZOP and Accela streamline the permit process
- Fire alarm coordination: If integrating with fire systems, coordinate with SBCFPD separately
- ADA compliance: Ensure door timing meets accessibility requirements
- Business license: Verify current city business license before pulling permits
- Documentation: Keep contractor license information readily available for permit verification
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when access control projects hit permits in San Bernardino County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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