Access Control Permit Requirements in Detroit, Michigan

Quick Answer: Access control installations in Detroit, Michigan may require building permits from BSEED when electrical work or building modifications are involved. Michigan does not require a general low-voltage license, but security alarm system contractors must be licensed through LARA. Mag-lock installations must comply with Michigan Building Code egress requirements including motion sensors and manual release devices.

Does Detroit Require Permits for Access Control?

Permit requirements depend on the scope of the installation. The Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) oversees building permits in Detroit.

Permits may be required for:

• Access control systems involving new electrical circuits
• Modifications to means of egress or fire-rated doors
• Structural modifications for door hardware
• Systems integrated with fire alarm panels
• Commercial building access control installations

Permits generally not required for:

• Simple keypad or card reader additions using existing power
• Residential smart lock installations
• Wireless/battery-powered access devices
• Ordinary repairs to existing systems

Detroit BSEED Contact Information

Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 402
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 224-2733
Online Permits: Detroit Accela Portal

Michigan Contractor Licensing

Michigan requires specific licensing through LARA for security systems:

Security Alarm System Contractor License

Required for installing access control integrated with alarm systems:

• Experience: 3 years as contractor, or 4 years as employee of licensed contractor
• Application: Through LARA licensing portal
• Examination: Required

Exemptions

Michigan law provides important exemptions:

• Security alarm system installation is exempt from electrical contractor licensing
• Municipalities cannot require permits specifically for security alarm system installation
• Home monitoring and business monitoring systems have installation exemptions

For complete licensing details, see our Michigan Low Voltage License Guide.

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Building Permit	$75-200	If electrical work involved
Plan Review	Varies	Large commercial only
Inspection	Included	If permit required
LARA Security License	$200	Contractor application

Timeline: Permit approval typically takes 5-10 business days. Complex projects may require plan review extending the timeline.

Michigan Building Code Egress Requirements

Detroit follows the 2015 Michigan Building Code for access control on egress doors. Understanding these requirements is critical for compliant installations:

General Door Requirements

• Doors must be readily openable from egress side when building is occupied
• Unlatching requires not more than one motion in single direction
• Hardware mounted 34-48 inches above finished floor

Electromagnetic Lock (Mag-Lock) Requirements

Mag-locks on egress doors must include:

• Motion sensor: On egress side to detect approaching occupants
• Automatic unlock: Upon sensor signal or loss of power
• Manual release: Located 40-48 inches above floor, within 5 feet of door
• Signage: Clearly identified "PUSH TO EXIT" sign
• Fail-safe: Loss of power must automatically unlock doors

Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors (Alternative)

For Groups A, B, E, M, R-1, or R-2 occupancies:

• Door-mounted release device permitted
• Listed hardware with built-in release mechanism required
• Does not require panic hardware

Delayed Egress Locking Systems

Permitted in buildings with automatic sprinkler or fire detection:

• Not permitted in: Group A, E, and H occupancies
• Maximum delay: 15 seconds (or 30 seconds where approved)
• Activation: 3 seconds of physical effort on egress hardware
• Audible signal: Required upon initiation
• Fire system integration: Must deactivate upon sprinkler/fire alarm activation
• Path limitation: Egress path cannot pass through more than one delayed egress system

Fire Door Restrictions

• Electric strikes on fire doors: Must be fail-secure (not fail-safe)
• Stairwell doors: Only failsafe electrified locksets or exit devices permitted
• Elevator lobby doors: Mag-locks and electric strikes not permitted

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Access Control

• Single-family: Usually no permit for smart locks or keypad systems
• Multi-family: Permit likely required for building-wide systems
• Group R occupancies: Night latches and security chains permitted if openable without key
• Occupant load 10 or less: Additional flexibility for dwelling unit security devices

Commercial Access Control

• New electrical circuits: Building permit typically required
• Means of egress modifications: Permit and plan review required
• Fire door hardware: Must comply with fire code restrictions
• Integration with fire alarm: Coordinate with fire marshal

Pro Tips from Contractors

1. Know the Exemptions: Michigan law exempts security alarm installations from general electrical licensing and municipal permit requirements. Understand what applies to your specific project.

2. Egress Compliance First: Before designing any mag-lock system, verify compliance with Michigan Building Code egress requirements. Include motion sensors, manual release, and proper signage.

3. Fire Door Restrictions: Never install fail-safe electric strikes on fire doors. Only fail-secure hardware is permitted on fire-rated assemblies.

4. Stairwell and Elevator Limitations: Mag-locks and electric strikes are not permitted on stairwell or elevator lobby doors where both ingress and egress are required.

5. Delayed Egress Coordination: If using delayed egress systems, coordinate with the fire alarm contractor for proper integration and deactivation upon alarm.

6. Document Everything: Keep records of hardware specifications, mounting heights, and egress compliance features for inspection.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Michigan Low Voltage License Requirements
• Detroit Security Camera Permits
• Detroit Fire Alarm Permits
• All Permit Guides