Security Camera Permit Requirements in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Allegheny County does not have a county-wide security camera permit requirement. However, municipalities within the county (including Pittsburgh) may require electrical permits for installations involving wiring work. The primary compliance concern is Pennsylvania's strict two-party consent law for audio recording. Contact your local municipality's building department to verify specific requirements.

When Do You Need a Security Camera Permit in Allegheny County?

Allegheny County encompasses 130 municipalities, each with potential variations in permit requirements. The City of Pittsburgh, the county seat, has specific electrical permit requirements that may apply to security camera installations.

Projects That May Require Permits

• Commercial security camera systems with hardwired infrastructure
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits
• Installations involving structural penetrations
• Integrated systems tied to fire alarm or access control
• Large-scale deployments in commercial buildings

Typically Exempt Installations

• Wireless residential camera systems
• Plug-and-play consumer cameras
• Battery-powered surveillance devices
• Minor additions to existing camera infrastructure

Requirements vary significantly by municipality within Allegheny County. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Pennsylvania Two-Party Consent Law

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest surveillance laws in the United States. Understanding these laws is critical for anyone installing or operating security cameras.

The Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (WESCA)

Pennsylvania's WESCA (Title 18) governs all video and audio surveillance. Key provisions:

• Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state for audio recording
• ALL parties must consent to be recorded
• Intercepting oral communication via video camera is a third-degree felony
• Even law enforcement requires court approval for many surveillance situations
• Substantial prison time possible for violations

Video Recording Guidelines

Video surveillance without audio is generally permitted where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy:

• Public areas of commercial properties
• Parking lots and garages
• Building entrances and lobbies
• Retail floor areas
• Your own residential property exterior

Prohibited Recording Areas

• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Locker rooms and changing areas
• Private break rooms
• Areas where individuals expect privacy
• Directly aimed at neighbors' private property

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements vary by municipality within Allegheny County.

City of Pittsburgh Requirements

Pittsburgh requires an Electrical Trade License to perform electrical work within city limits. Trade licenses verify an individual's qualifications for performing trade work. Requirements include:

• Electrical Trade License for electrical work
• Registration with Pittsburgh Permits, Licenses & Inspections
• Appropriate permits for the scope of work

Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration

For residential work throughout the county, contractors must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. Requirements include:

• Registration with PA Attorney General
• General liability insurance minimum $50,000
• No exam required for registration

License Verification

Verify contractor licenses through:

• Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
• PA Attorney General Registered Contractors platform
• Pittsburgh PLI Office for city-registered professionals

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

City of Pittsburgh Permit Process

For installations within Pittsburgh city limits:

Residential Electrical Permits

Required for:

• Renovating and repairing existing electrical systems
• Extending or modifying existing systems
• New electrical installations on residential buildings

Commercial Electrical Permits

Commercial security camera installations typically require permits when involving:

• New electrical circuits
• Hardwired camera infrastructure
• Integration with building systems

Contact Information

Pittsburgh Permits, Licenses & Inspections Office:

• Phone: (412) 255-2175
• Website: pittsburghpa.gov/pli

Other Allegheny County Municipalities

Allegheny County includes 130 municipalities beyond Pittsburgh. Each may have different requirements:

Common Municipal Variations

• Some require no permits for low voltage work
• Some require contractor registration only
• Some follow Pittsburgh's model with electrical permits
• Some defer to Pennsylvania UCC requirements

How to Verify Requirements

1. Identify the municipality where work will be performed
2. Contact that municipality's building department
3. Ask specifically about low voltage/security camera permit requirements
4. Verify contractor registration requirements

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type (Pittsburgh)	Amount
Residential Electrical Permit	Contact PLI
Commercial Electrical Permit	Contact PLI
Electrical Trade License	Contact PLI
PA Home Improvement Registration	Contact AG Office

Processing Timeline: Varies by municipality and project complexity. Simple residential permits may process in days; commercial projects may require weeks for plan review.

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

Homeowners can install security cameras without consent from neighbors or passersby, provided:

• Cameras monitor only their own property
• No cameras in areas with privacy expectations
• Incidental capture of neighbor's property is acceptable
• Direct aim at neighbor's private property is not permitted
• Audio recording requires all-party consent

Commercial/Workplace Installations

Businesses should:

• Explicitly notify employees about camera use and placement
• Install only in public areas with no privacy expectation
• Avoid audio recording entirely
• Post visible signage about surveillance
• Document camera placement and purpose

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Disable audio recording: Configure all cameras for video-only to avoid two-party consent violations
• Know your municipality: Requirements vary across Allegheny County's 130 municipalities—verify before bidding
• Document camera angles: Maintain records showing cameras do not capture private areas
• Post signage: Visible surveillance notices deter crime and provide legal protection
• Verify contractor status: Use PA online verification tools before subcontracting
• Contact PLI early: Pittsburgh's office can clarify permit requirements before you start

Allegheny County Contact Information

Resource	Contact
Allegheny County Permits	alleghenycounty.us/Services/Permits-and-Licenses
Pittsburgh PLI Office	(412) 255-2175
PA Attorney General (Contractors)	attorneygeneral.gov
PA License Verification	pals.pa.gov

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Pennsylvania Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Pittsburgh, PA
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Erie, PA
• Pennsylvania Low Voltage Contractor License Guide