Jobs & Projects
Permits

Access Control Permit Requirements in Yonkers, New York

January 19, 2026
02:52 PM

Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals

Yonkers NY access control permit guide. Learn about electrical permits, Westchester County licensing, maglock code requirements, and contractor registration.

Access Control Permit Requirements in Yonkers, New York

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Yonkers typically require electrical permits from the Department of Housing and Buildings for any wiring work. Contractors must be registered with the City of Yonkers and hold a Westchester County electrical license. Systems using electromagnetic locks on egress doors must comply with NYS Building and Fire Code requirements. Contractors installing access control connected to security monitoring need a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License.

When Are Permits Required?

Under the Yonkers Electrical Code, electrical permits are required for:

Permits Required

  • Wiring of any device or equipment for transmission or utilization of electrical energy
  • Installation of power, heat, or air conditioning wiring
  • Any alteration or addition to existing wiring, devices, or equipment
  • Electromagnetic locks requiring fire alarm integration
  • Commercial access control systems

May Not Require Permits

  • Battery-operated standalone locks
  • Wireless systems on existing circuits
  • Simple keypad locks not connected to building systems

Contact the Yonkers Electrical Division at (914) 377-6502 to confirm requirements.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Yonkers Registration Required

Under Yonkers Code, no electrical permit shall be issued unless the person, firm, or corporation:

  • Has been registered as an electrical contractor
  • Holds a license to work within City of Yonkers limits

Westchester County License Required

All electrical work must be performed by a Westchester County Licensed Contractor. Contact County Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 for licensing information.

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

Required from NYS Department of State if access control involves:

  • Integration with security monitoring
  • Intrusion detection functions
  • Break-in or theft monitoring
  • Fire alarm integration
License Issuer Contact
Yonkers Electrical Registration City of Yonkers (914) 377-6502
Westchester County License County Consumer Protection (914) 995-2155
NYS Security Installer NYS Department of State dos.ny.gov

Building Code Requirements

Yonkers enforces the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code.

Electromagnetic Lock Requirements

Doors in means of egress with electromagnetic locks must have hardware that:

  • Incorporates built-in switch with obvious method of operation
  • Is readily operated under all lighting conditions
  • Can be operated with one hand
  • Directly interrupts power to unlock door immediately when operated
  • Automatically unlocks on loss of power

Fire Alarm Integration

  • Fire alarm activation must automatically unlock electromagnetically locked doors
  • Doors must remain unlocked until fire alarm system reset
  • Manual release button required within 5 feet of door

Yonkers Permit Application Process

Submission Requirements

  • Letter of Transmittal
  • Two sets of plans
  • Application with required insurance documentation
  • All physical documents on USB Drive
  • Two originally signed and notarized copies

Contact Information

Office Details
Department of Housing and Buildings (914) 377-6500
Electrical Division (914) 377-6502
Online Filing yonkersny.gov/Building-On-Line-Filing
Forms and Permits yonkersny.gov/Forms-Permits

Fees and Timeline

Item Cost Timeline
NYS Security Installer License $185-$200 4-8 weeks
Westchester County License Varies Contact (914) 995-2155
Yonkers Electrical Permit Per city fee schedule Plan review required

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Access Control

  • Smart locks and keypads typically do not require permits if no new wiring
  • Homeowners can self-install without state license
  • Hardwired systems may require electrical permit

Commercial Access Control

  • Egress code requirements strictly enforced
  • Fire alarm integration required for maglocks
  • ADA accessibility requirements apply
  • Licensed Yonkers and Westchester County contractor required
  • State license required if connected to security monitoring

Common Access Control Configurations

Card Reader Systems

  • Door-mounted reader
  • Access control panel
  • Low voltage wiring
  • Electric strike or maglock

Keypad Entry

  • Standalone may not require permits
  • Networked systems follow same requirements as card readers

Video Intercom

  • May require NYS alarm installer license if used for security monitoring

Building Division Oversight

The Yonkers Building Division:

  • Monitors compliance with NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code
  • Reviews and approves building permit applications
  • Inspects ongoing construction for code compliance
  • Issues certificates of occupancy and completion
  • Responsible for electrical inspections

Pro Tips from Experienced Installers

  • Get all licenses first: You need Yonkers registration AND Westchester County license before pulling permits. Allow time for both.
  • Verify maglock compliance: Electromagnetic lock requirements are strictly enforced. Ensure fire alarm integration and manual release are included in design.
  • USB submission required: All physical documents must be provided on USB drive. Do not show up with paper only.
  • Two notarized copies: Applications require two originally signed and notarized copies. Plan ahead.
  • Contact Electrical Division: Call (914) 377-6502 to clarify permit requirements before starting work.
  • State license for monitoring: If access control connects to security monitoring, NYS alarm installer license is required.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

Sources

Tags

#permits
#new-york
#access-control
#licensing
#yonkers

Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros

Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.