Access Control Permit Requirements in Westchester County, New York

Quick Answer: Westchester County requires alarm permits for access control systems with monitoring capabilities. You'll need both a NYS Security Alarm Installer License (81-hour course + exam) and a Westchester County Low Voltage License. Building permits are required for electromagnetic lock installations due to life safety impact. Requirements vary by municipality within the county.

When Is a Permit Required?

Access control installations in Westchester County involve multiple permit considerations:

Alarm Permit Required

Per Westchester County Chapter 863, alarm permits are required for access control systems that include:

• Intrusion detection features
• Door forced/held-open alarms
• Panic or duress buttons
• Central station monitoring for security events

Building Permits Required

Building permits are typically required for:

• Electromagnetic locks on egress doors (life safety impact)
• Wiring through walls or fire-rated assemblies
• Commercial access control installations
• Door modifications for electric strikes
• Integration with fire alarm systems

Permit Exemptions

May not require permits:

• Standalone keypad locks (battery-powered)
• Smart locks without alarm integration
• Surface-mounted card readers using existing power

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Westchester County requires multiple licenses for access control installations:

Westchester County Low Voltage License

Required by the county. Scope includes:

• Alarm and signal work
• Systems not exceeding 48 volts or 5 amperes
• Work commencing at outlet/connection installed by licensed electrician

Contact: Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155

NYS Security Alarm Installer License

Required when access control includes security detection features:

• Training: 81-hour approved course
• Examination: Pass NYS state exam
• Background check: Required
• Term: 2-year license
• Penalty: Up to $10,000 fine for unlicensed work

For complete state licensing information, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Alarm Business License

Per Westchester County Chapter 863, Article XV, it's a violation to engage in alarm installation/servicing business without county licensing.

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Access control systems with electromagnetic locks face building permit requirements due to life safety impact:

Egress Requirements

• Motion sensor: Must detect approaching occupants on egress side
• Automatic unlock: Doors unlock on sensor activation or power loss
• Manual release: "Push to Exit" or request-to-exit button required
• Fire alarm integration: Must unlock on fire alarm activation
• Fail-safe operation: Power loss must unlock door

Building Code Compliance

• Review by building department required
• Life safety plans may be needed
• Fire marshal review for commercial applications

Building Permit Application

Westchester County Public Works

For county-owned property or county roads:

• Completed, notarized permit applications required
• Submit through Westchester County Public Works

Municipal Building Departments

For private property, contact your local municipality:

• City of Yonkers Building Department
• City of White Plains Building Department
• City of New Rochelle Building Department
• Town/Village building departments

Documentation Required

• Building permit application
• Floor plans showing access point locations
• Door schedules with hardware types
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment specifications
• Contractor license verification
• Insurance certificates

Contact Information

Westchester County Consumer Protection (Licensing)
Phone: (914) 995-2155
Website: consumer.westchestergov.com/trade-licenses

Westchester County Public Works (Building Permits)
Website: publicworks.westchestergov.com

Westchester County Licenses and Permits
Website: westchestergov.com/licenses-and-permits

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
County Low Voltage License	Varies	Exam + application fee
Alarm permit	Varies by municipality	Contact local police
Building permit	Varies	Based on project scope

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

For homes in Westchester County:

• Smart locks generally permit-exempt
• Alarm permit required if monitoring included
• NYS license required for contractor installations
• Mag locks on egress may require building permit

Commercial Access Control

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Security Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Westchester County Low Voltage License
• Alarm business license
• Building permits for mag lock installations
• Fire code compliance for egress doors
• ADA compliance for hardware placement

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Electromagnetic locks require building permits. Unlike simple card readers, mag locks impact life safety and require building department review. Factor permit time into your project schedule.

2. Get both licenses before bidding. Westchester requires the County Low Voltage License AND NYS Alarm Installer License. Missing either can result in fines and project delays.

3. Municipal requirements vary. Each city, town, and village in Westchester has its own building department. Yonkers requirements differ from White Plains. Always call the local department first.

4. Document fire alarm integration. When access control ties into fire alarm for emergency unlock, have your sequence of operations documented and tested for inspection.

5. False alarm programming matters. With only 4 false alarms allowed before potential permit revocation, proper system programming for door-forced alarms is critical.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Westchester County Trade Licenses
• Westchester County Building Permits
• Westchester County Code of Ordinances

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements vary by municipality—always verify with Westchester County and your local building department before beginning work.