Are You Looking to Install a Gate on Your Driveway?

Applicants should contact the County Building Department or City of Placerville Building Department to verify and obtain an Administrative Permit under the Building Code. Plans will then be forwarded to the Fire District.

The El Dorado County gate regulations are found in El Dorado County Code Title 130, Article 3, Chapter 130.30.090.

This code requires "emergency access lock system (approved by the fire department) that shall consist of a padlock in series on manual gates or a key switch on automatic gates."

To purchase an approved emergency access lock system, see the info here: Knox Access.

Electric Gates Knox Access

Fire service and law enforcement personnel can enter onto private property through electric gates by way of the Knox Gate & Key Switch switch system which is wired into the electric gate. A low security key is inserted into the key switch, allowing the gate to be opened and returned to normal operation or locked open. Fire and law enforcement personnel need to use a low security Knox Master Key to return locked-open gates to normal operation. 

LOW SECURITY Knox Gate & Key Switches (for commercial or residential properties) can be obtained online at knoxbox.com and use the "El Dorado Co Sheriff–GATES" option. Please see the instructions here:

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2021-knox-gate-and-key-switches.pdf