Access Control Permit Requirements in St. Louis County, Missouri

Installing access control systems in St. Louis County, Missouri? This guide covers everything low-voltage contractors need to know about permit requirements, licensing, and the application process for electronic security and door access projects across the greater St. Louis metro area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone low-voltage access control. St. Louis County follows Missouri state law (RSMo § 324.915) which exempts low-voltage electrical work from state electrical licensing requirements. Most access control installations—card readers, keypads, electric strikes, and mag locks—don't require electrical permits. However, if your project involves electrical work beyond low-voltage systems, door modifications, or fire alarm integration, building permits may be required.

St. Louis County vs City of St. Louis

Important: St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis are separate jurisdictions with different requirements. This guide covers St. Louis County. If your project is within the City of St. Louis, different rules apply.

What Is Access Control?

Access control systems regulate entry to buildings and secure areas through electronic means:

• Card readers and proximity access
• Keypad and PIN entry systems
• Biometric readers (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Electric strikes and magnetic locks
• Door controllers and access panels
• Video intercom systems
• Visitor management systems

When Are Permits Required?

Building permits are required for electronic locks according to St. Louis County. While standalone access control typically doesn't require permits, these scenarios may trigger requirements:

Scenario	Permit Required?	Notes
PoE card reader installation	No	Low-voltage work exempt under RSMo § 324.915
Electric strike or mag lock	Possibly	May be covered under electronic locks permit
Door hardware modifications	Possibly	Building permit may apply
Fire alarm integration	Yes	Fire code compliance required
Emergency egress modifications	Yes	Life safety code requirements
New electrical circuits	Yes	Electrical permit required

What Licensing Do Contractors Need?

Missouri's RSMo § 324.915 specifically exempts low-voltage electrical work from state electrical licensing requirements. This means access control contractors don't need a state electrical license for:

• Card reader and keypad installation
• Electric strike and mag lock wiring
• Access control panel installation
• Network-connected door controllers
• Video intercom systems

St. Louis County Requirements

• Business License: Register with St. Louis County Revenue Department
• Alarm License: Required if installing alarm-integrated systems (Chapter 720)
• Insurance: Maintain general liability and workers' compensation coverage

For comprehensive licensing information, see our Missouri Low-Voltage License Guide.

Fire Alarm Integration Requirements

When access control systems integrate with fire alarm systems, additional requirements apply:

• Fire Code Compliance: International Fire Code adopted by fire protection districts
• Emergency Egress: All exit doors must allow free egress during fire events
• Delayed Egress: Special approval needed for delay locks
• Access Control Release: Must release on fire alarm signal
• Fire Protection District Review: May require inspection

How to Get Permits When Required

Unincorporated St. Louis County

For unincorporated areas, submit through St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works:

1. Determine Requirements: Contact County permit office
2. Prepare Documents: Site plans, door schedules, wiring diagrams
3. Submit Application: Through County permit office
4. Plan Review: Staff reviews for code compliance
5. Pay Fees: Permit fees based on project scope
6. Installation: Complete work per approved plans
7. Schedule Inspection: Request inspection when ready

Incorporated Municipalities

Many municipalities have their own building departments. Major municipalities include:

• Clayton
• Chesterfield
• Kirkwood
• Webster Groves
• University City
• Florissant

Contact Information

St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works
41 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-5185
Building Permits Website

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Building permit (if applicable)	$50-150+	Based on project scope
Electrical permit	$50-150+	If electrical work required
Plan review	Varies	May be included

Timeline Expectations

• Simple projects: Same-day to 3 business days
• Complex commercial: 5-10 business days for plan review
• Inspections: Typically within 24-48 hours of request

Residential vs Commercial: Key Differences

Residential Access Control

Home installations typically require no permits:

• Smart locks and keypad deadbolts
• Video doorbell systems
• Gate access controllers
• Garage door access systems

Commercial Access Control

Business installations may have additional considerations:

• Emergency egress code compliance
• ADA accessibility requirements
• Fire alarm integration review
• Multi-tenant building coordination
• May require building permit for electronic locks

Code Compliance Requirements

St. Louis County follows the International Building Code. Key access control requirements:

• Emergency Egress: Exit doors must allow free egress at all times
• Panic Hardware: Required on certain occupancy types
• Delayed Egress: Maximum 15 or 30 seconds with proper signage
• Electromagnetic Locks: Must release on fire alarm, power failure, and manual release
• ADA Compliance: Accessible hardware heights and operation force

St. Louis County-Specific Considerations

• Multiple Municipalities: 88+ municipalities with varying requirements
• Unincorporated Areas: Contact County Public Works for permits
• Fire Protection Districts: Multiple FPDs for fire-integrated systems
• Historic Districts: Many municipalities have historic preservation
• HOA Restrictions: Many subdivisions have rules about visible hardware

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Determine if location is in a municipality or unincorporated county
• Check electronic lock requirements: County requires permits for electronic locks
• Verify door prep: Check existing door frames for electric strike compatibility
• Plan cable pathways: Route low-voltage cabling properly
• Coordinate with fire code: Fire protection district may need to inspect
• Test egress hardware: Verify all exit devices allow free egress

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides for St. Louis County

• Security Camera Permits in St. Louis County, Missouri
• Fire Alarm Permits in St. Louis County, Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a License to Install Access Control in St. Louis County?

Low-voltage access control work is exempt from state electrical licensing under RSMo § 324.915. However, if systems integrate with alarms, you may need an alarm license under County Chapter 720.

Do Electronic Locks Require Permits?

St. Louis County indicates building permits are required for electronic locks. Contact the permit office to determine if your specific project requires a permit.

What About Fire Alarm Integration?

Fire-integrated access control requires additional review for fire code compliance. Contact the appropriate fire protection district for requirements.