Access Control Permit Requirements in Wake County, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Wake County typically requires permits for access control installations that involve electrical work, modifications to egress doors, or integration with fire alarm systems. Low-voltage card readers and keypads using existing power may be exempt, but systems affecting means of egress must comply with NC Building Code Chapter 10 requirements.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control in Wake County?

Wake County Inspections & Permits provides services for unincorporated areas and contracted municipalities including Knightdale, Rolesville, Wendell, and Zebulon. Permit requirements depend on the scope of your access control project:

Permits Typically Required

• Electric strikes or magnetic locks on egress doors
• New electrical circuits for access control equipment
• Door hardware modifications affecting fire-rated assemblies
• Delayed egress locking systems
• Access control integrated with fire alarm systems
• Commercial installations as part of tenant improvements
• Systems requiring request-to-exit sensors on egress paths

Typically Exempt from Permits

• Standalone electronic locks on non-egress doors
• Battery-powered smart locks in residential applications
• Card readers using existing low-voltage infrastructure
• Keypad entry systems not affecting egress compliance
• Replacing existing access control hardware with similar equipment

Note: Projects under $40,000 involving nonstructural work in single-family residences may be exempt unless they involve new or altered electrical systems.

NC Building Code Requirements for Access Control

Access control systems on egress doors must comply with the North Carolina Building Code Chapter 10 (Means of Egress):

Standard Access Control on Egress Doors

• Sensor requirement: Motion sensor on egress side to detect approaching occupants
• Automatic unlock: Doors must unlock upon sensor activation or power loss
• Manual override: Push-to-exit device required 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of secured door
• Clear signage: Manual device must have sign reading "PUSH TO EXIT"
• Unlock duration: Doors must remain unlocked minimum 30 seconds after manual activation
• Direct power interruption: Manual device must directly interrupt power to lock, independent of access control electronics

Delayed Egress Locking Systems

When delayed egress is permitted by code:

• Must be listed in accordance with UL 294
• Delay electronics must deactivate upon sprinkler or fire detection system activation
• Must unlock upon loss of power to lock mechanism
• Maximum 15-second delay in most applications
• Not permitted on entrance doors in Groups A, B, E, or M during public access hours

Residential Requirements

• All interior egress doors must be openable without key or special knowledge
• Night latches, deadbolts, and security chains permitted if openable from inside without key or tool
• Hardware must be mounted 34-48 inches above finished floor

Contractor Licensing Requirements

North Carolina requires proper licensing for access control installation:

NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)

• SP-LV (Limited): Low-voltage systems including access control, card readers, and electronic locks
• SP-FA/LV: Combined fire alarm and low-voltage for integrated systems
• Unlimited License: Full electrical scope includes access control work

NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board

For access control systems with monitoring or integration:

• Company business license required for alarm/security businesses
• Individual agent licensing with background checks

Verify contractor credentials through the NCBEEC License Lookup.

For comprehensive licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.

Wake County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Confirm your project is in Wake County jurisdiction (unincorporated areas or contracted municipalities). Projects within Raleigh, Cary, or other municipalities have separate processes.

Step 2: Determine Permit Type

• Trade Permit: For electrical work when building permit not required
• Electrical Permit: For new circuits or electrical modifications
• Building Permit: For door hardware affecting fire-rated assemblies

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

• Access control system layout and device locations
• Door schedule identifying egress doors and hardware
• Wiring diagrams for electric locks and power supplies
• Fire alarm integration details (if applicable)
• Means of egress compliance documentation
• Contractor license verification

Step 4: Submit Application

Apply through the Wake County Permit Portal:

• Website: wake.gov/get-permits
• Email: Wake.Permitting@wake.gov

Step 5: Inspection

Schedule inspections before 3:00 PM for next business day. Inspectors verify:

• Proper electrical connections and grounding
• Means of egress compliance (sensors, manual overrides, signage)
• Fire alarm integration functionality
• UL listing compliance for delayed egress devices

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Residential Trade Permit	$75	1-3 business days
Commercial Trade Permit	Varies by scope	3-5 business days
Plan Review (complex projects)	Based on project value	5-10 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Next business day

Note: Building permits valid for six months from issuance date.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Projects

• Smart locks and keypad entry generally exempt from permits
• Homeowners may perform own work if they own and occupy the property
• Egress doors must remain openable from inside without key
• Work under $40,000 nonstructural may be exempt unless electrical systems affected

Commercial Projects

• Strict means of egress compliance required
• Fire alarm integration often mandatory
• ADA accessibility requirements for hardware mounting heights
• Projects over $40,000 require NC licensed general contractor
• Periodic fire inspections may include access control verification

Pro Tips for Wake County Access Control Projects

• Egress first: Always design around means of egress requirements - they're non-negotiable
• Fire alarm coordination: Coordinate with fire alarm contractor for proper integration and release
• UL 294 compliance: Use listed delayed egress hardware to avoid inspection failures
• Document everything: Keep records of egress compliance features for inspection
• Test thoroughly: Verify all fail-safe/fail-secure configurations before inspection
• Consider ADA: Mount readers and keypads at accessible heights (48 inches max)

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage License Requirements
• Raleigh, NC Access Control Permits
• Durham, NC Access Control Permits
• Charlotte, NC Access Control Permits