Access Control Permit Requirements in Toledo, Ohio

Quick Answer: Most access control installations in Toledo, Ohio do not require permits. Per Toledo Code § 1305.02, electrical work under 25 volts and 50 watts is exempt. Most card readers, keypads, and PoE-powered locks qualify for this exemption. Electrical permits are required for new 120V circuits, and fire alarm permits are needed for systems integrated with fire alarm door release.

When Are Permits Required?

Toledo has specific voltage thresholds for permit exemptions. For access control systems:

• No permit required: Systems operating under 25 volts and 50 watts
• No permit required: PoE-powered card readers and locks
• No permit required: Battery-powered electronic locks
• No permit required: Standalone keypads and biometric readers
• Permit required: Access control integrated with fire alarm door release
• Permit required: Electric strikes or maglocks on fire-rated doors
• Electrical permit required: New 120V circuits for power supplies

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a specific access control license:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) regulates electrical work:

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work only
• Not required for: Low voltage under 25V/50W per Toledo code
• Experience: 5 years for electrical license
• Insurance: $500,000 minimum liability

State Fire Marshal Certification

If access control integrates with fire alarm systems, contractors need Ohio State Fire Marshal certification:

• Required for: Fire alarm integration, door release mechanisms
• Company fee: $200 original, $150 renewal

Toledo Local Requirements

• State license registration: Register licenses with Toledo
• Tax compliance: Obtain Certificate of Tax Compliance from Toledo Taxation
• Requirement: Tax compliance required before permits can be issued

Toledo Permit Application Process

When permits are required for fire-integrated access control:

Step 1: Obtain Tax Compliance Certificate

Register with Toledo Taxation Department before applying for permits.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through the Toledo ePermit Online Portal or in person:

Toledo Division of Building Inspection
One Government Center
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 245-1220

Step 3: Required Documents

• System layout showing door locations
• Door schedule with hardware specifications
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
• Contractor license and tax compliance documentation
• Product specifications for electric locks

Fees and Processing Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Fire Alarm Permit (includes access integration)	Based on valuation	5-10 business days
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
ePermit Online	Standard fee	Faster processing
Reinspection	$50+	As scheduled

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks (August, Schlage, Yale): No permit required
• Video doorbell with remote unlock: No permit required
• Keypad entry systems: No permit required (under 25V)
• Gate operators: May require electrical permit for 120V power

Commercial Access Control

• Multi-door card access systems: No permit if under 25V/50W
• Turnstiles and mantraps: May require building permit
• Emergency egress integration: Fire marshal coordination required
• ADA compliance: Must meet Ohio Building Code accessibility requirements

Fire Door and Egress Requirements

Access control on fire-rated doors requires special attention:

Fire-Rated Door Hardware

• Electric strikes: Must be fail-safe on egress doors
• Maglocks: Require fire alarm release and emergency hardware
• Delayed egress: Maximum 15-second delay per Ohio code
• Signage: Required per NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Fire Alarm Integration

• All maglocks on egress doors must release on fire alarm
• Fire alarm permit required for integration
• Testing must verify door release function

Lucas County vs. City of Toledo

If your project is in unincorporated Lucas County:

• Lucas County Building Regulations: (419) 213-4612
• Different requirements: May have separate permit process
• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm which authority has jurisdiction

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• 25V threshold: Toledo's exemption covers most modern access control—PoE systems clearly qualify
• Tax compliance first: Cannot apply for permits without Certificate of Tax Compliance
• ePermit Online: Faster than in-person applications
• Fire door labels: Check door ratings before installing electric hardware
• Lucas County check: Verify whether property is in city or county jurisdiction

Common Installation Scenarios

Small Office - 6 Door Card Access

Standalone PoE system: No permit required (under 25V/50W). No state license required for low voltage.

Retail Store with Fire Alarm Integration

Maglocks on exit doors with fire alarm release: Fire alarm permit required. State Fire Marshal certification needed. Tax compliance certificate required.

Warehouse Loading Dock

Card readers and electric strikes on non-fire-rated doors: No permit if under 25V. Electrical permit only for dedicated 120V circuit.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Ohio and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Guides

• Ohio Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Toledo Security Camera Permits
• Toledo Fire Alarm Permits
• Columbus Access Control Permits