Access Control Permit Requirements in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina require both an access control permit AND an electrical low-voltage permit. An electrical low-voltage permit alone is not sufficient. All projects must be submitted online via GeoCivix, and contractors must be registered with Winston-Salem and have a Contractor ID Number. Inspections must be completed before Certificate of Occupancy.

When Are Permits Required for Access Control?

In Winston-Salem, permits are required for access control projects. Important: an electrical low-voltage permit alone is NOT sufficient for access control systems.

Permits are required for:

• Card reader and keypad access systems
• Electromagnetic locks on any doors
• Electric strike installations
• Delayed egress systems
• Multi-door networked access control
• Systems integrated with fire alarms
• Biometric access systems

Submission Options for Access Control

Winston-Salem requires access control to be submitted in one of two ways:

Option 1: Revision to Original Plans

Submit all access control-related documents as a revision to the original building plans. Include only documents related to the access control portion.

Option 2: Separate Construction Permit

Submit access controls as a separate construction permit application.

In both cases, an electrical low-voltage permit must be created and attached to the access control permit.

North Carolina Contractor Licensing

Access control contractors need proper licensing:

NC Alarm Systems License

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board licenses contractors installing monitored access control systems.

SP-LV License

The NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors issues SP-LV licenses for low voltage installations.

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

Winston-Salem Permit Application Process

Step 1: Register as Contractor

Contractors must be registered with Winston-Salem jurisdiction and have a Winston-Salem Contractor ID Number before submitting permits.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

• Complete floor plan (preferably Life Safety Plan) showing all access control equipment locations
• Cut sheets for all electrified components
• UL 294 listing documentation for all electrified access control components
• Wiring diagrams
• Equipment specifications
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit Online

All projects must be submitted online via GeoCivix:

• Online Portal: Winston-Salem GeoCivix Portal
• BuildIT System: For trade permits
• Commercial Submittals: Commercial Plan Review

Classify project as "Upfit" or "Alteration" when submitting.

Step 4: Inspections

Inspections for electrical low-voltage AND fire must be completed prior to:

• Final building inspection
• Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Basis	Notes
Plan Review Fee	Square footage of project	See Inspections Fee Schedule
Permit Fee	Total cost of project	See Inspections Fee Schedule
Alarm Registration	Free	Required within 10 days

Office Hours

Location: Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building
100 E First Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:45 PM
Walk-in Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Closed first Wednesday of every month from 7:45 AM - 9:45 AM

Phone: (336) 727-2328

UL 294 Listing Requirement

Winston-Salem specifically requires UL 294 listing documentation for all electrified access control components. UL 294 is the standard for Access Control System Units and covers:

• Electric strikes
• Electromagnetic locks
• Electrified exit devices
• Access control panels
• Power supplies

Ensure all equipment cut sheets clearly show UL 294 listing before submission.

Alarm Registration

If your access control system includes intrusion detection that contacts police, you must register:

• Online Application: Alarm System Permit Application
• No fee to register
• Must register within 10 business days of installation
• 3 false alarms allowed per 12-month period

NC Building Code Egress Requirements

All access control on egress doors must comply with NC Building Code:

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

• Must release upon loss of power (fail-safe)
• Must release upon fire alarm activation
• Request-to-exit devices required on egress side
• Cannot impede free egress during emergencies

Delayed Egress Requirements

• Maximum 15 seconds delay (30 where approved)
• Audible alarm on initiation
• Must deactivate on fire alarm
• Proper signage required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Access Control

• Smart locks and keypad systems
• May require low voltage permit for wired systems
• Alarm registration if monitored

Commercial Access Control

• Full access control permit required (not just low voltage)
• UL 294 listing required for all electrified components
• Life Safety Plan showing equipment locations
• Fire alarm integration documentation
• Must complete inspections before CO

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Low voltage alone won't work: Access control requires its own permit, not just electrical low-voltage
• Get registered first: You need a Winston-Salem Contractor ID Number before submitting
• UL 294 is mandatory: All electrified components must show UL 294 listing on cut sheets
• Use Life Safety Plan: Preferred format for showing equipment locations
• Schedule inspections early: Low-voltage and fire inspections must complete before final building inspection
• Watch office closures: First Wednesday of each month has delayed opening

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in Winston-Salem, NC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Winston-Salem, NC
• Access Control Permits in Greensboro, NC
• Access Control Permits in Raleigh, NC
• North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide