Access Control Permit Requirements in Utah County, Utah

Installing access control systems in Utah County requires understanding both local building permit requirements and Utah state licensing rules. Utah County's Community Development Building Division handles permits for unincorporated areas, while individual cities within the county have their own permitting processes.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally yes for new installations involving electrical work. Utah County requires permits for work on electrical systems, which includes most access control installations. Low-voltage systems under 25 volts may be exempt, but installations involving door hardware, electric strikes, or integration with fire alarm systems typically require permits.

What Access Control Work Requires a Permit in Utah County?

According to Utah County Community Development, the following access control work requires a building permit:

• Installing new access control panels or controllers
• Running new wiring for card readers, keypads, or biometric devices
• Installing electric door strikes, magnetic locks, or automated door operators
• Any work that modifies existing electrical circuits
• Access control systems integrated with fire alarm systems
• Commercial access control installations with multiple doors
• Systems requiring structural modifications

When Is a Permit NOT Required?

Some minor access control work may be exempt from permits:

• Low-voltage systems operating under 25 volts and 50 watts
• Replacing existing access control devices with equivalent equipment
• Installing standalone battery-powered smart locks
• Programming changes to existing systems
• Adding users or credentials to existing systems

Contact the Utah County Building Official at stevek@utahcounty.gov to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit.

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

Yes. Utah requires contractors performing access control work to hold appropriate licensing from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Requirements include:

• Low Voltage License: Required for systems operating up to 95 volts
• Burglar Alarm Company License: Required for access control systems that integrate with alarm monitoring
• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
• Experience: Four years of experience in the low voltage field
• Examination: Pass a written exam covering fire alarms, access control, video surveillance, security systems, and structured cabling
• Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years

For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for an Access Control Permit in Utah County

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in unincorporated Utah County (cities have their own processes)
2. Download application: Get the Building Permit Application from Utah County Community Development
3. Complete application: Fill out all fields or mark N/A when applicable
4. Gather required approvals: Health Department, Public Works, geo hazard review as applicable
5. Submit documentation: Plans showing device locations, wiring routes, and door hardware specifications
6. Pay permit fees
7. Schedule inspections after installation is complete

Required Documentation

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Site plan showing all access points and device locations
• Wiring diagrams for the access control system
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Contractor license verification
• For commercial projects: Two paper sets stamped/signed plus electronic PDF copy

What Are the Permit Fees in Utah County?

Permit Type	Estimated Fee
Residential electrical permit	$50-$100
Commercial electrical permit	$100-$300+
Plan review (commercial)	Additional 50-65% of permit fee
Re-inspection fee	$50+

Fees vary based on project scope. Contact the Utah County Building Division for exact quotes.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Stage	Typical Timeline
Residential permit approval	1-3 business days
Commercial plan review	5-10 business days
Inspection scheduling	1-2 business days
Final inspection	Same day if passed

Residential vs Commercial Access Control Permits

Residential Projects

Home access control installations are generally straightforward:

• Many residential systems are permit-exempt (battery-powered, low-voltage)
• Simpler permit process when permits are required
• Lower fees than commercial projects
• Systems typically include smart locks, video intercoms, and single-door access points

Commercial Projects

Commercial access control installations have additional requirements:

• More detailed plan review process
• Fire code compliance for access-controlled egress doors
• ADA compliance for door hardware and automatic operators
• Integration requirements with fire alarm systems for door release
• Emergency power and fail-safe/fail-secure considerations
• Two paper sets stamped/signed required plus electronic PDF

Fire Code and Egress Requirements

Access control on egress doors must comply with fire and life safety codes:

• Fire alarm integration: Access-controlled doors on egress paths must release upon fire alarm activation
• Power failure: Doors must fail in a safe manner (typically fail-unlocked for egress)
• Request-to-exit devices: Required on the interior side of locked egress doors
• Delayed egress: Maximum 15-second delay with specific code requirements

The Utah County Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over fire code compliance. Coordinate with both building inspectors and fire officials for commercial projects.

Inspection Requirements

If a permit is required, expect the following inspections:

• Underground/rough-in: Before concealing any wiring in walls or underground
• 4-Way inspection: Covers rough framing, electrical, mechanical work prior to concealment
• Final inspection: System testing, door operation, and integration verification

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Cities within Utah County have different requirements than unincorporated areas
• Contact Building Official: Email stevek@utahcounty.gov for exemption clarification
• Document existing conditions: Photos of existing doors and electrical panels help during plan review
• Coordinate with fire alarm: For commercial projects, ensure access control integrates properly with existing fire alarm systems
• ADA compliance: Automatic door operators must meet accessibility requirements
• Plan for inspections: Don't cover wiring until rough-in inspection is complete

Utah County Building Division Contact Information

• Address: 51 S. University, Suite 117, Provo, UT 84601
• Phone: (801) 851-8342
• Building Official Email: stevek@utahcounty.gov
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Website: codev.utahcounty.gov/building
• Forms: utahcounty.gov/Dept/ComDev/forms.asp

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides for Utah County

• Security Camera Permits in Utah County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Utah County