Access Control Permit Requirements in Washington County, Utah

Installing access control systems in Washington County requires understanding both local building permit requirements and Utah state licensing rules. Washington County's Community Development Department handles permits for unincorporated areas, while individual cities like St. George, Hurricane, and Washington City have their own permitting processes.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally yes for new installations involving electrical work. Washington 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 Washington County?

According to Washington County Community Development, permits may be required for the following access control work:

• 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 Washington County Community Development 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 Washington County

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in unincorporated Washington County (cities have their own processes)
2. Create account: Register on the City Inspect online portal
3. Submit electronically: Washington County only accepts electronic applications
4. Upload documents: Add required plans and specifications
5. Wait for review: Plan review for code compliance
6. Pay permit fees: Upon approval
7. Schedule inspections after installation is complete

Required Documentation

• 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: Detailed electrical drawings

What Are the Permit Fees in Washington County?

Permit Type	Estimated Fee
Basic electrical permit	$75-$150
Commercial permit	$150-$300+
Plan review (if required)	Additional percentage of permit fee
Re-inspection fee	$50+

Fees vary based on project scope. Contact Washington County for exact quotes.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

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

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

Coordinate with both building inspectors and fire officials for commercial projects.

Residential vs Commercial Access Control Permits

Residential Projects

• 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

• 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

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Cities within Washington County (St. George, Hurricane, etc.) have different requirements than unincorporated areas
• Use electronic submission: Washington County only accepts electronic permit applications
• 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

Washington County Contact Information

• Department: Community Development
• Director: Scott Messel
• Address: 111 East Tabernacle St., St. George, UT
• Website: washco.utah.gov/departments/community-development
• Book Inspection: Request Inspection

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