Access Control Permit Requirements in Washington County, Minnesota

Installing access control systems in Washington County, Minnesota? Understanding permit requirements and code compliance helps contractors and property owners navigate installations successfully. This guide covers what you need to know across Washington County's cities and townships.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope of work. Basic access control installations using low voltage wiring typically do not require permits in most Washington County cities. However, work involving new electrical circuits, door hardware modifications, or fire alarm integration will require permits. Note: Washington County does not issue building permits directly—each municipality handles their own permitting.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

Since permits are issued at the city level, requirements vary. Here are general guidelines:

Permits Usually Required:

• New electrical circuits – Adding dedicated power for access control panels
• Door frame modifications – Cutting or modifying frames for electric strikes
• Delayed egress systems – Special code requirements apply (MN Rules 7511.1010)
• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors – Must comply with egress code requirements
• Fire alarm integration – Access control tied to fire systems requires additional permits
• Commercial new construction – Part of overall building permit package
• ADA automatic door openers – May require building permits

Permits Usually NOT Required:

• Standalone card readers – Low voltage devices using existing power
• Keypad locks – Battery-powered or low voltage electronic locks
• PoE-based systems – Using existing network infrastructure
• Wireless access control – No new wiring required
• Device replacements – Like-for-like swaps without system changes

Minnesota Code Requirements for Access Control

Minnesota State Building Code has specific requirements for electronic locking systems on egress doors:

Delayed Egress Locking Systems (MN Rules 7511.1010):

• Permitted on exit or exit access doors
• Must deactivate upon fire alarm/sprinkler activation allowing immediate egress
• Controlled egress units must be listed per UL 294

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements:

• Manual unlocking device – Push button must directly interrupt power to lock
• 30-second minimum unlock – Doors must remain unlocked after push button activation
• Signage required – "Push to Exit" sign at button location
• Height requirements – Button must be 40" to 48" above floor, within 5' of doors
• Fire system integration – Must automatically unlock on alarm activation
• Reset requirement – Doors remain unlocked until fire system is reset

ADA Door Hardware Requirements:

• Door handles, pulls, latches, locks installed 34" to 48" above floor
• Security-only locks (not for normal operation) permitted at any height

What Contractor License Do You Need?

Minnesota requires proper licensing for access control installation:

For Individual Technicians:

Power Limited Technician (PLT) License from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) covers most access control work. Requirements include:

• 36 months (approximately 4,000 hours) documented experience
• Registration as unlicensed worker during experience accumulation
• Pass PLT examination (70% minimum, open-book)
• 16 hours continuing education every 2 years

For Companies:

Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) License is required to operate a low voltage contracting business. Requirements:

• Designated responsible individual with PLT or master electrician license
• Business registration with Minnesota Secretary of State
• Insurance and bonding requirements

Important PLT Restrictions:

PLTs cannot work on:

• Class 2/3 circuits that control line voltage systems
• Commercial fire alarm systems (electrical contractor required)
• Circuits in electrical cabinets with unprotected higher voltage

For complete licensing details, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Permits in Washington County?

Contact your local city building department. Key contacts:

City of Woodbury

Woodbury uses an online portal and combination permit system.

• Building Inspections: 651-714-3543
• Address: 8301 Valley Creek Road, Woodbury, MN 55125
• Online Portal: Woodbury eTRAKiT Portal
• Permits: woodburymn.gov/Building-Permits

Note: Contractors must have current state license on file with the city.

City of Stillwater

• Planning Department: PlanningDept@stillwatermn.gov
• Forms: stillwatermn.gov/forms

Other Major Cities:

City	Building Department Contact
Cottage Grove	651-458-2833
Oakdale	651-739-5150
Lake Elmo	651-747-3900
Forest Lake	651-464-3550
Hugo	651-429-8531

Washington County Contact:

• Permits Info: washingtoncountymn.gov/Permits
• Note: Building permits obtained through your city/township, not the county

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Permit Type	Typical Fee Range	Processing Time
Low Voltage Only	Often exempt	N/A
Basic Electrical Permit	$50-$100	1-3 business days
Building Permit (door mods)	Based on valuation	3-7 business days
Commercial (with plan review)	$150-$400	5-14 business days

Contact your specific city for exact fees.

What's the Difference Between Residential and Commercial?

Residential Installations:

• Simpler permitting requirements—often exempt for low voltage
• Homeowner can perform electrical work within limits (MN Statutes 326B.31)
• Smart locks and wireless systems typically exempt
• No delayed egress code concerns

Commercial Installations:

• Licensed contractor required for all work
• Delayed egress and mag lock codes apply
• UL 294 listing required for controlled egress units
• ADA compliance for door hardware height and operation
• Fire alarm integration requires coordination
• Plan review may be required for larger systems

Access Control System Types and Code Considerations

System Type	Key Code Requirements
Card/Fob Readers	Generally straightforward, follow ADA height rules
Electric Strikes	May require door frame modifications (building permit)
Magnetic Locks	Requires push-to-exit, fire alarm tie-in, "Push to Exit" signage
Delayed Egress	UL 294 listing, 15-30 second delay limits, fire alarm release
Automatic Doors	ADA compliance, building permit typically required

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Know your egress codes – Mag locks on egress doors have strict requirements. The push-to-exit button must directly interrupt power, not just send a signal to the controller.
• UL 294 matters – Controlled egress units must be listed. Don't install non-listed equipment on egress doors.
• Fire alarm coordination is critical – All access control on egress doors must release on fire alarm. Document this integration.
• ADA height requirements – 34" to 48" above floor for operating hardware. Measure twice.
• Use Woodbury's online portal – eTRAKiT makes permit applications and inspection scheduling straightforward.
• Document everything – Take photos of fire alarm interface wiring. Inspectors want to see proper integration.
• Stay current on NEC – Minnesota adopted the 2023 NEC effective July 1, 2023.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides for Washington County

• Security Camera Permits in Washington County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Washington County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Washington County (Coming Soon)

For state-level licensing information, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.