Access Control Permit Requirements in St. Louis, Missouri

Installing access control systems in St. Louis, Missouri? This guide covers permit requirements, contractor licensing, and local regulations for electronic door locks, card readers, and keypad entry systems in the Gateway City.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the jurisdiction and scope. St. Louis County requires building permits for electronic locks. City of St. Louis requirements vary based on project scope. Simple card reader installations may be exempt, but projects involving electrical work, fire-rated door modifications, or integration with alarm systems typically require permits.

What Access Control Work Requires Permits?

Understanding when permits are needed helps you plan your project correctly:

May Require Permits

• Electronic lock installations (St. Louis County requires permits)
• Card reader additions on multiple doors
• ADA automatic door operators
• New electrical circuits for access control power
• Modifications to fire-rated door assemblies
• Access control integrated with fire alarm systems
• Structural modifications for door hardware

Typically Exempt (Check Local Requirements)

• Simple standalone keypads
• Wireless access control devices
• Minor hardware replacements

City of St. Louis Permits

The City of St. Louis Building Division handles building permits:

Detail	Information
Location	1200 Market St., Room 425, St. Louis, MO 63103
Online Portal	www.stlcitypermits.com
Payment Options	Escrow account or pay-per-permit
Permit Types	Demolition, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical

After approval, you'll receive email notification with your permit number for online access and printing.

St. Louis County Permits

St. Louis County specifically requires building permits for electronic locks:

Detail	Information
Department	Transportation and Public Works
Online Portal	St. Louis County Services Portal
Permit Required For	Fire alarms, electronic locks, emergency generators
Permits Page	Permits & Applications

Do You Need a License to Install Access Control in Missouri?

Missouri exempts low-voltage work from electrical contractor licensing under RSMo Section 324.915. However, local requirements apply:

• St. Louis City requires business licensing for alarm installation companies
• Occupancy Permit required from Building Division
• Electrical permits may be required depending on scope
• Alarm registration required if connected to monitored system

For complete details on Missouri's licensing requirements, see our Missouri Low Voltage License Guide.

Alarm Registration for Integrated Systems

If access control integrates with a monitored alarm system, registration is required:

Detail	Information
Residential Fee	$25.00
Commercial Fee	$50.00
Registration	Through ARFAM system
Renewal	Within 15 days of renewal date

Fire Door Considerations

When installing access control on fire-rated doors, special requirements apply:

• Maintain fire rating - Hardware must not compromise door assembly
• Fail-safe operation - Doors must unlock on fire alarm activation
• Emergency egress - Required per fire code
• Listed hardware - Use UL-listed components for fire doors
• Coordination with Bureau of Prevention for fire door modifications

What Are the Fees for Building Permits?

Permit Type	Fee
Building Permit	Based on project valuation
Electrical Permit	Based on scope
Alarm Registration (if integrated)	$25-$50

Residential vs. Commercial Access Control

Residential Projects

• Check with City or County for specific requirements
• Simple smart locks may not require permits
• Gate operators may require permits
• Alarm integration requires registration

Commercial Projects

• St. Louis County requires permits for electronic locks
• Card reader installations on multiple doors typically permitted
• ADA automatic door operators require permits
• Integration with fire alarm requires coordination
• Business licensing may be required

Example Permitted Projects

Examples of access control work permitted in St. Louis include:

• Addition of card readers on 5 doors
• Addition of ADA operators on 3 doors
• Installation of card readers on cage/vault
• Installation of door contacts and motion detectors

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Stage	Timeline
Online Application	Immediate submission
Simple Permit Review	1-5 business days
Plan Review (if required)	5-15 business days
Inspection Scheduling	24-48 hours notice

Pro Tips for St. Louis Access Control Projects

• Check jurisdiction - City and County have different requirements
• Use online portals for faster permit processing
• St. Louis County requires permits for electronic locks specifically
• Consider escrow accounts for multiple projects
• Coordinate fire door work with Bureau of Prevention
• Register alarm integration through ARFAM system
• Document installations for inspections and warranties
• Plan for ADA compliance on accessible entrances

Common Access Control System Types

Access control installations in St. Louis typically include:

• Card readers - Proximity, smart card, or mobile credential
• Keypads - PIN-based entry systems
• Biometric readers - Fingerprint or facial recognition
• Electric strikes - Fail-secure or fail-safe operation
• Magnetic locks - Electromagnetic locks requiring power
• ADA operators - Automatic door openers
• Intercoms - Video and audio entry verification

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Missouri and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for St. Louis

• Security Camera Permits in St. Louis
• Fire Alarm Permits in St. Louis
• Structured Cabling Permits in St. Louis (coming soon)