Security Camera Permit Requirements in Adams County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Adams County, Colorado generally do not require permits for the camera equipment itself. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license, and surveillance systems operating under 50 volts are typically exempt from electrical permitting. Alarm systems connected to monitoring services may require registration depending on your specific municipality within the county.

When Are Permits Required?

Adams County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Standalone security camera systems
• Video surveillance without alarm monitoring
• DVR/NVR recording systems
• PoE camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• Cloud-connected cameras without alarm dispatch

Registration or Permits MAY Be Required:

• Alarm systems with police/fire dispatch monitoring
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits (120V+)
• Camera poles requiring structural permits
• Work in county rights-of-way

Adams County Building Permits

Adams County provides online permit services through their E-Permit Center:

• Apply for permits online at any time
• Review permit status
• Pay fees electronically
• Print permits from any device

Use "Eye on Adams" tool to track building permits and code violations in unincorporated Adams County.

Contact Information

Adams County Development Services
4430 S. Adams County Parkway
Brighton, CO 80601
Website: adcogov.org

Municipalities Within Adams County

Adams County contains multiple municipalities with varying requirements:

Westminster

• Contact Westminster Police for alarm registration
• False alarm ordinance may apply

Thornton

• Contact Thornton Police Department for requirements

Northglenn

• Contact Northglenn Police for alarm permit information

Commerce City

• Contact Commerce City for specific requirements

Brighton

• Contact Brighton Police Department

Unincorporated Adams County

• Adams County Sheriff's Office handles alarm matters
• Check with Sheriff's Office for specific requirements

Colorado Video Surveillance Laws

When installing security cameras, understand Colorado's surveillance laws:

• Private Property: Cameras permitted on your own property
• Privacy Expectations: Cannot record areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Audio Recording: Colorado is one-party consent state
• Neighbor Privacy: Avoid deliberately monitoring neighbors' private spaces

Contractor Requirements

Colorado has no statewide low voltage license:

• State License: Not required for low voltage under 50V
• Contractor Registration: Required by Adams County for certain work
• Insurance: General liability recommended
• Alarm Company License: Required for monitoring services

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

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Fee	Notes
Alarm Registration	Varies by city	Contact local PD
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	If new circuits needed
Low voltage cameras only	No permit	N/A

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No permits typically required for cameras
• Register alarms if using monitoring service
• HOA approval may be needed in some communities
• Consider doorbell cameras and smart home integration

Commercial Projects

• May require plan review for larger systems
• Employee notification requirements may apply
• PCI compliance for retail areas
• Data retention policies recommended

Special Considerations for Adams County

• DIA Proximity: Properties near Denver International Airport may have restrictions
• Industrial Areas: Commerce City industrial zones have specific requirements
• New Development: Rapidly growing areas have many new construction projects
• HOAs: Many newer communities have architectural review requirements

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Confirm if in county or municipality
• E-Permit Center: Use online system for faster processing
• Register Early: Complete alarm registration before activation
• Eye on Adams: Track permit status online
• Document Installation: Keep records even when permits not required

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security projects hit permits in Adams County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Colorado and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Denver Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Aurora Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• Adams County Building Permits
• Adams County Official Website