Security Camera Permit Requirements in Akron, Ohio

Quick Answer: Most security camera installations in Akron, Ohio do not require permits when operating under 50 volts. Akron follows Ohio Building Code which exempts most low voltage work. Electrical permits are required when installing new 120V circuits. Summit County Building Standards issues permits for Akron, and contractors must register through the City of Akron Plan Review and Permits portal.

When Are Permits Required?

Akron follows the Ohio Building Code with local amendments. For security camera systems:

• No permit required: Low voltage camera systems (under 50V)
• No permit required: IP cameras using existing network infrastructure
• No permit required: PoE camera systems on existing network
• No permit required: Wireless and battery-powered cameras
• Electrical permit required: New 120V circuits for camera power supplies
• Electrical permit required: Line voltage connections for equipment
• Fire alarm permit required: Cameras integrated with fire alarm systems

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a statewide security camera license:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) regulates electrical work:

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work only
• Not required for: Low voltage camera systems under 50V
• Experience: 5 years for electrical license
• Insurance: $500,000 minimum liability

Akron Contractor Registration

Per City of Akron requirements:

• Registration required: All contractors performing permitted work
• Portal: Register through Plan Review and Permits web portal (as of June 2024)
• Summit County: Building Standards issues permits for Akron

Akron Permit Application Process

When electrical permits are required:

Step 1: Register as Contractor

Register through the Akron Plan Review and Permits portal before applying for permits.

Step 2: Submit Plans

Submit plans via the Akron Plan Review portal in PDF format.

Step 3: Obtain Akron Approval

Summit County cannot issue permits without Akron Approval. Submit to both:

City of Akron Plans and Permits
1030 E. Tallmadge Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
Phone: (330) 375-2010

Summit County Building Standards
1030 E. Tallmadge Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
Phone: (330) 630-7280

Step 4: Inspections

• Scheduling: Request 48 hours prior to work
• Rough-in inspection: Before concealing electrical work
• Final inspection: After system completion

Fees and Processing Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Plan Review	Included in permit	~14 business days
Contractor Registration	Varies	Online processing
Reinspection	$50+	As scheduled

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Security Cameras

• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest, Arlo): No permit required
• DVR/NVR systems with PoE cameras: No permit required
• Wireless camera systems: No permit required
• Systems under 50V: Exempt from permit requirements

Commercial Security Cameras

• IP camera systems: No permit if using existing network
• Analog systems with new wiring: May need electrical permit
• Large deployments: Register as contractor with Akron
• Access control integration: Check fire code requirements

Ohio Security Camera Laws

Important legal requirements for Akron installations:

Privacy Requirements

• No cameras in private areas: Bathrooms, changing rooms prohibited
• Legitimate purpose: Must have business reason for recording
• Signage recommended: Post visible notices about surveillance
• Employee notification: Inform staff about recording

Audio Recording

• One-party consent: Ohio Revised Code § 2933.52
• At least one party: Must consent to audio recording

Summit County vs. City of Akron

Permitting in Akron involves both jurisdictions:

• Akron Approval: Required first for projects within city limits
• Summit County: Issues the actual building permit
• Unincorporated areas: Contact Summit County Building Standards directly

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Low voltage advantage: Most IP camera jobs under 50V need no permit
• Dual submission: Remember both Akron approval and Summit County permit for larger projects
• Portal registration: Complete contractor registration online before first project
• 48-hour notice: Schedule inspections at least 2 days ahead
• Plan review time: Allow 14+ business days for complex projects
• PoE simplifies: Power over Ethernet eliminates electrical permit needs

Common Installation Scenarios

Home Security - 8 Camera System

Residential PoE camera system with NVR: No permit required (under 50V). No state license required.

Retail Store Surveillance

Commercial IP camera system: No permit if using existing network. Register as contractor with Akron for regular commercial work.

Office Building with New Electrical

Camera system requiring new 120V circuits: Electrical permit required. OCILB license required. Akron approval and Summit County permit needed.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Ohio Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Columbus Security Camera Permits
• Cleveland Security Camera Permits