Access Control Permit Requirements in Suffolk County, New York

Quick Answer: Suffolk County requires alarm registration through Suffolk County Police Department if your access control system includes intrusion detection ($50 residential/$100 commercial every 2 years). You'll need a NYS Security Alarm Installer License, and systems with electromagnetic locks must comply with IBC egress codes. Building permits are handled by local township building departments.

When Is a Permit Required?

Access control installations in Suffolk County involve multiple permit considerations:

Suffolk County Police Alarm Registration

Required if your access control system includes:

• Intrusion detection features
• Door forced/held-open alarms
• Panic or duress buttons
• Central station monitoring for security events

Building Permits

May be required through local township for:

• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors
• Wiring through walls or fire-rated assemblies
• Commercial access control installations
• Door modifications for electric strikes
• Integration with fire alarm systems

Fire Marshal Permits

The County Fire Marshal's Office may require permits for alterations affecting occupant safety, even when DPW permits aren't required.

Permit Exemptions

May not require permits:

• Standalone keypad locks (battery-powered)
• Smart locks without alarm integration
• Surface-mounted card readers using existing power
• Simple residential systems without monitoring

Contractor Licensing Requirements

New York State requires licensing for access control installations:

NYS Security Alarm Installer License

Required when access control includes security/alarm features. Requirements:

• Training: 81-hour approved course
• Examination: Pass NYS state exam
• Age: Minimum 18 years old
• Background check: Fingerprinting required
• Term: 2-year license

Suffolk County Low Voltage License

Suffolk County may require a local Low Voltage License for access control work, in addition to the NYS license. This includes work on:

• Card reader systems
• Intercom integration
• Network-connected access control

For complete state licensing information, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Electromagnetic Lock Egress Requirements

Access control systems with electromagnetic locks must comply with IBC (International Building Code) requirements:

Access-Controlled Egress Doors

• Motion sensor: Must detect approaching occupants on egress side
• Automatic unlock: Doors unlock on sensor activation or power loss
• Manual release: "Push to Exit" button required
• Button location: 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of door
• Hold time: Doors remain unlocked minimum 30 seconds after manual release

Fire System Integration

• Must unlock automatically on fire alarm activation
• Remain unlocked until system reset
• Fail-safe operation on power loss

Suffolk County Police Alarm Registration

Who Must Register

Registration required within the Suffolk County Police District:

• Babylon
• Brookhaven
• Huntington
• Islip
• Smithtown

Registration Fees

Type	Initial Fee	Annual Renewal
Residential	$50	$25
Commercial	$100	$50

How to Register

Suffolk County Police - Alarm Management Program
Phone: (631) 852-5276
Online: SuffolkPD.org

False Alarm Policy

• Unregistered: Fined on first false alarm
• Registered: 2 false alarms allowed before fines
• Permits are non-transferable

Township Building Permit Process

Building permits are handled by local townships within Suffolk County:

Contact Your Local Building Department

• Town of Babylon Building Department
• Town of Brookhaven Building Division
• Town of Huntington Building Department
• Town of Islip Building Division
• Town of Smithtown Building Department
• East End townships (Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead, Southold)

Suffolk County Fire Marshal

For County-owned buildings or projects affecting occupant safety:

Suffolk County Fire Marshal's Office
Part of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES)

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Frequency
Alarm registration (residential)	$50	Initial + $25/year renewal
Alarm registration (commercial)	$100	Initial + $50/year renewal
Building permit	Varies by township	Per project

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

For homes in Suffolk County:

• Smart locks generally permit-exempt
• Alarm registration required if monitoring included
• Building permits rarely needed for simple systems
• Lower registration fees ($50 initial)

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Security Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Possible Suffolk County Low Voltage License
• Alarm registration with Suffolk County PD
• Building permits likely required
• Full IBC egress compliance for mag locks
• Fire alarm integration documentation
• ADA compliance for hardware placement

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Know the egress code before design. Electromagnetic locks on egress doors are heavily regulated. Review IBC requirements for "Access-Controlled Egress Doors" and "Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors" before specifying mag locks.

2. Suffolk County may require dual licensing. Beyond the NYS Alarm Installer License, Suffolk County may require a local Low Voltage License. Verify your license coverage before bidding projects.

3. Register alarm features before testing. If your access control includes door-forced alarms or panic buttons, register with Suffolk County PD before commissioning. Unregistered systems face fines on first false alarm.

4. Fire alarm integration is critical. Inspectors will verify that mag locks release on fire alarm activation. Document your sequence of operations and test thoroughly before final inspection.

5. Requirements vary by township. Each township in Suffolk County has its own building department with potentially different permit requirements. Always call the local department before starting work.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Suffolk County Police Forms
• Suffolk County Building Construction Code
• Electromagnetic Lock Code Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements vary by township—always verify with Suffolk County PD and your local building department before beginning work.