Access Control Permit Requirements in Will County, Illinois

Installing access control systems in Will County, Illinois? This guide covers permit requirements, contractor licensing, and compliance essentials for electronic access control installations in unincorporated Will County and surrounding municipalities like Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Permits may be required for access control installations in Will County depending on the scope of work. Per Will County Code § 150.110, permits are required for all electrical work and must list a licensed contractor.

Key factors determining permit requirements:

• Electrical work involved (new circuits, wiring runs)
• Door hardware modifications or replacements
• Fire egress door integration
• Commercial vs. residential application
• Integration with fire alarm systems

When Permits Are Required

Permits Typically Required

• New electrical circuits for access control panels
• Electrified door hardware installation (maglocks, electric strikes)
• Modifications to fire-rated doors
• Integration with fire alarm systems (door release on alarm)
• Commercial access control systems
• Systems affecting means of egress
• Hardwired reader and controller installations
• Card access on exterior doors

Potentially Exempt Installations

• Standalone keypad locks (battery-powered)
• Wireless smart locks on residential doors
• Low voltage wiring under 50 volts (varies by municipality)
• Simple residential intercom systems
• Direct replacement of existing card readers

Important: Access control affecting fire egress always requires coordination with the fire marshal. Verify all exemptions with Will County before proceeding.

Illinois Contractor Licensing Requirements

Access control installation in Illinois requires proper licensing through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Private Alarm Contractor License

Under 225 ILCS 447, electronic access control systems are explicitly included in the definition of alarm systems. The law states an alarm system includes "any system, including an electronic access control system."

License requirements include:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• No felony convictions (or 10+ years since discharge)
• Pass IDFPR-authorized examination
• 3 years qualifying experience (1,500 hours per year)
• Good moral character verification

Will County Contractor Requirements

Will County requires electrical contractors to be licensed and bonded. Per § 150.110, it is unlawful to alter electrical wiring or equipment unless done by a properly licensed contractor in conformity with county codes.

For comprehensive licensing information, see our Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Will County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

• Unincorporated Will County: Apply through Will County Land Use Department
• Incorporated cities: Contact municipal building department (Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield, etc.)

Step 2: Fire Marshal Coordination

For commercial access control affecting egress doors, coordinate with local fire protection district early for:

• Fire egress compliance review
• Door release requirements on fire alarm
• Delayed egress approval (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Permit Application

For unincorporated Will County:

• Contact Will County Land Use Department for application
• Include system design and door schedules
• Provide electrical diagrams and equipment specifications
• Submit contractor license and bonding verification

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• System design and door schedule
• Floor plans with device locations
• Door hardware cut sheets and specifications
• Electrical load calculations
• Contractor license verification
• Fire marshal approval (for egress doors)

Contact Information

Will County Land Use Department
Address: 58 E Clinton St, Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 774-3360
Website: willcountyillinois.com

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Residential Electrical Permit	$75-$150	3-5 business days
Commercial Permit	$150-$400+	1-3 weeks
Fire Marshal Review	Varies	2-4 weeks
Final Inspection	Often included	Schedule upon completion

Fees vary by project scope. Contact Will County for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Generally simpler permit requirements
• Wireless smart locks often exempt
• Video doorbell systems typically permit-free
• Hardwired intercoms may require electrical permit
• Gate operators may require separate permits

Commercial Access Control

• Fire marshal review required for egress doors
• Must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
• Emergency egress release requirements per fire code
• Integration with fire alarm required for certain occupancies
• Annual inspection requirements for egress-related hardware
• Occupancy permits may depend on access control approval

Fire Egress and Life Safety Requirements

Access control on fire egress doors requires special attention to life safety codes:

Illinois Fire Prevention Code Requirements

• Doors must release automatically upon fire alarm activation
• Fail-safe (power-to-lock) hardware typically required on egress doors
• Manual release must be readily accessible
• 15-second maximum delay locks (where permitted by code)
• Signage requirements for delayed egress systems

ADA Compliance

• Card readers at accessible height (48" maximum)
• Automatic door operators where required
• Clear floor space at access points
• Operating force limits for manual doors

Illinois Privacy Considerations

Biometric Access Control (BIPA)

If your access control system uses fingerprint readers or facial recognition, Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14) applies:

• Written consent required before collecting biometric identifiers
• Privacy policy must be published
• Strict data retention and destruction requirements
• Penalties: $1,000-$5,000 per violation

Many Illinois contractors recommend card-based or PIN access to avoid BIPA compliance complexity.

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Fire marshal first: For commercial egress doors, get fire marshal approval before finalizing design
• Door schedule early: Create comprehensive door schedules including hardware, frame type, and fire rating
• Power planning: Calculate power requirements including battery backup for reliable access control
• BIPA conversations: Discuss biometric vs. card access with clients—BIPA liability is significant
• Coordinate trades: Work with door installers and electricians early
• Test fail-safes: Document that all egress doors release properly under fire alarm and power failure
• Know your fire districts: Will County has multiple fire protection districts with varying requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Joliet, IL Access Control Permits
• Chicago, IL Access Control Permits
• Cook County, IL Access Control Permits
• Will County, IL Security Camera Permits
• Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide