Access Control Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, Maryland

Quick Answer: Installing access control systems in Silver Spring requires a low voltage electrical permit from Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Silver Spring is an unincorporated community within Montgomery County, so all permits are processed through the county. No contractor license is required specifically to pull a low voltage permit, but professional installers should hold a Maryland State electrician license or local registration for commercial work.

When Is a Permit Required for Access Control in Silver Spring?

Montgomery County requires an electrical permit for low voltage systems, which includes access control installations. Access control systems typically operate at 50 volts or less, classifying them as low voltage electrical work.

Permit Required:

• New access control system installations (card readers, keypads, electric strikes)
• Wiring new low voltage circuits for door controllers
• Installing electric locks, magnetic locks, or door release mechanisms
• Commercial access control systems with multiple doors
• Integration with fire alarm or building management systems
• Any work that involves running new low voltage wiring through walls or ceilings

Permit Typically NOT Required:

• Replacing existing access control hardware on the same wiring
• Programming changes to existing systems
• Battery backup replacement
• Minor repairs that don't involve new wiring
• Standalone battery-powered smart locks (no hardwired components)

Important: When in doubt, contact Montgomery County DPS at 240-777-0311 before starting work. Performing work without required permits can result in fines and mandatory removal.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Maryland has a multi-tiered licensing system that involves both state and county requirements. Understanding this system is critical for access control contractors working in Silver Spring.

State-Level Requirements

As of July 1, 2021, the Maryland State Board of Electricians issues apprentice, journeyperson, and master electrician licenses. These state licenses now serve as the performance license for electrical work throughout Maryland.

For low voltage work specifically:

• No state license required to apply for a low voltage permit in Montgomery County
• Many contractors hold a restricted low voltage license issued by local jurisdictions for work at 50 volts or less
• A full master electrician license is not required for low voltage access control work

Security System Technician License

If your access control installation includes burglar alarm or intrusion detection components, you may need additional licensing through the Maryland State Police Licensing Division. This requires:

• Background check
• Proof of insurance ($50,000 minimum)
• Registration as a Security Systems Technician or Agency

For detailed Maryland contractor licensing information, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for an Access Control Permit in Montgomery County

All electrical permits, including low voltage permits for access control, must be applied for online through the Montgomery County DPS ePermits system.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Create an account on the Montgomery County DPS ePermits portal
2. Select "Electrical Permit" from the available permit types
3. Choose "Low Voltage" as the work category
4. Enter the property address - Use the county's address lookup to verify jurisdiction
5. Describe the scope of work - Include number of doors, card readers, controllers, and wiring details
6. Upload required documents - Site plan, equipment specifications, and wiring diagrams as needed
7. Pay the permit fee electronically
8. Schedule inspections once work is complete

Important Jurisdiction Note:

Silver Spring is in Montgomery County's jurisdiction. However, nearby City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg process their own permits. Verify your property's jurisdiction using the Maryland SDAT Real Property Search before applying.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Base Electrical Permit Fee	$90 minimum	For residential (1-2 family dwellings)
Equipment/Work Fee	Varies	Added based on scope - see fee schedule
Inspection Fee	Included	One inspection included; additional inspections may have fees
Alarm Registration Fee	$60	Required if system connects to monitoring

Processing Timeline:

• Permit Review: 3-5 business days for typical low voltage permits
• Permit Validity: 1 year from issue date
• Inspection Scheduling: Usually available within 48-72 hours of request
• Extension Requests: Must be submitted before permit expiration

Alarm System Registration

If your access control system includes any alarm or monitoring functionality, Montgomery County requires registration with the False Alarm Reduction Section (FARS) of the Montgomery County Department of Police.

Registration Requirements:

• Registration must be completed before the system is activated
• The installing contractor must ensure the user has registered before placing the system in service
• Initial non-residential registration fee is $60
• Failure to register can result in fines for false alarm responses

Silver Spring Access Control Market

Silver Spring is one of the largest urban centers in the Washington DC metro area outside of DC itself. The diverse mix of residential, commercial, and government properties creates unique considerations for access control contractors.

Common Project Types:

• Commercial office buildings: Multi-tenant access control with visitor management
• Residential high-rises: Key fob entry, intercom systems, package rooms
• Government contractors: May require enhanced security credentials
• Retail and restaurants: Employee access control, back-of-house security
• Healthcare facilities: HIPAA-compliant access logging

Residential vs. Commercial Access Control

Residential Projects (Single-Family Homes)

• Minimum permit fee of $90
• Simpler permit application process
• Homeowners may apply for their own permit (not recommended for complex systems)
• Common installations: smart locks, video doorbells with access control, garage keypads

Commercial Projects (Offices, Retail, Multi-Family)

• Higher permit fees based on scope and equipment
• May require additional documentation (plans, specifications)
• Must coordinate with fire marshal if integrated with fire systems
• Often requires professional engineer seal for larger projects
• Alarm registration required for monitored systems

Pro Tips for Access Control Contractors

Silver Spring's proximity to Washington DC and its dense commercial district present specific considerations for access control work:

1. Verify Property Type Early

Silver Spring has many mixed-use buildings. Confirm whether you're dealing with residential, commercial, or mixed-use occupancy - permit requirements may differ.

2. Coordinate with Building Management

Multi-tenant buildings often have existing access control infrastructure. Work with property management to understand integration requirements before specifying equipment.

3. Consider Metro Proximity

Many Silver Spring buildings are near Metro stations. Higher foot traffic and public access points may require more robust access control solutions.

4. Government Contractor Facilities

The area has many government contractors. These facilities may have additional security requirements beyond standard permits - confirm scope before bidding.

5. Plan for Dense Wiring Environments

Older buildings in downtown Silver Spring may have limited pathway options. Survey cable routes before committing to installation timelines.

6. Don't Forget Alarm Registration

Montgomery County is strict about alarm registration. Make it part of your project closeout checklist to avoid issues for your client.

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

• Address: 101 Monroe St, 9th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
• Phone: 240-777-0311 (or 311 within Montgomery County)
• Email: mc311@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Electrical/Mechanical Inquiries: dps.emd@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Online Portal: permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov

Maryland State Board of Electricians

• Address: 500 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Phone: (410) 230-6163
• Website: dllr.state.md.us/license/elec

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Maryland Low Voltage License Requirements
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Germantown, Maryland
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Baltimore, Maryland

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Montgomery County DPS before starting work.