Security Camera Permit Requirements in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Allentown does not require a specific permit for most security camera installations. However, electrical work may require permits, and installations in historic districts may need additional approval. Pennsylvania's two-party consent wiretap law strictly prohibits audio recording without consent. Neither Allentown nor Lehigh County require a low voltage contractor license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Most security camera installations in Allentown do not require dedicated permits. However, several scenarios may trigger permit requirements.

Permit Typically NOT Required

• Standalone security camera installations (wireless or wired)
• Low voltage wiring that does not penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Camera systems using existing electrical infrastructure
• Residential doorbell cameras and basic surveillance systems
• IP camera installations using PoE

Permit MAY Be Required

• Electrical work requiring new circuits or panel modifications
• Structural penetrations for conduit runs
• Installations in Allentown's historic districts (may require design review)
• Commercial projects involving significant electrical loads
• Camera poles or mounting structures requiring foundation work
• Integration with alarm systems (see alarm permit requirements)

Contact Allentown's Building Standards and Safety office at (610) 437-7592 to confirm requirements for your specific project.

Allentown Alarm System Regulations

Allentown has specific regulations for alarm systems under City Ordinance No. 12175. If your security camera system integrates with monitored alarms, you may need to comply with these requirements:

• Alarm permit registration with the city
• False alarm penalties may apply
• Notification requirements for alarm-connected systems

Contact the Allentown Police Department for current alarm permit requirements if your camera system connects to monitored security services.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Neither Allentown nor Lehigh County require a specific low voltage contractor license. However, there are important requirements to understand.

Allentown Trade Licensing

Allentown requires trade licenses for certain electrical work:

License Type	Process	Renewal
Electrician License	Application, exam board approval, ICC exam	Annual
Business License	Required for all contracting companies	Annual

Important: To operate a contracting company in Allentown, you need both a trades license (if applicable) AND a business license.

Pennsylvania State Requirements

• No state low voltage license: Pennsylvania does not require a dedicated license for security camera installation
• Home Improvement Registration: Contractors performing $5,000+ annually in home improvements must register with the PA Attorney General's Office
• Insurance: General liability and workers' compensation insurance recommended

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

Pennsylvania Wiretap Law: Critical Audio Requirements

Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state. This has major implications for security camera installations in Allentown:

• Audio recording requires consent: ALL parties must consent to audio recording
• Video-only is safer: Disable audio recording on cameras in most scenarios
• Severe penalties: Violations are third-degree felonies with up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000
• Signs are not enough: Posted notices do not constitute consent for audio

Best Practice: Configure all security cameras with audio recording disabled unless you have documented consent from all parties who may be recorded.

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

Contact Allentown Building Standards and Safety to verify if your specific installation requires permits.

Step 2: Gather Documentation (If Permits Required)

• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical diagrams (if new circuits required)
• Product specifications
• Business license documentation
• Insurance certificates

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit permit applications to:

Building Standards and Safety
City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA
Phone: (610) 437-7592
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Step 4: Schedule Inspection

If electrical work is involved, schedule inspection after installation is complete.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Security camera installation (no permit)	$0	Immediate
Electrical permit (if required)	$50-150	3-5 business days
Business license	Varies	Contact city
PA Home Improvement Registration	$50	Online processing

Fees are estimates. Confirm current fees with Allentown Building Standards and Safety.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Generally straightforward with minimal permit requirements
• Homeowners can install cameras on their own property without neighbor consent
• Cannot point cameras directly at neighbors' private areas
• Doorbell cameras and basic systems rarely need permits
• HOA rules may impose additional restrictions

Commercial Installations

• May require coordination with building management
• Employee notification requirements under Pennsylvania law
• Must post visible signage indicating surveillance is in use
• Larger systems may trigger electrical permit requirements
• Unionized workplaces may require collective bargaining discussion
• Cannot place cameras in areas with reasonable privacy expectation (restrooms, break rooms)

Historic District Considerations

Allentown has historic districts where exterior modifications may require additional review. If installing visible exterior cameras in a historic district:

• Contact the Allentown Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB)
• Exterior camera placements may need design approval
• Consider low-profile or concealed mounting options
• Document any requirements before installation

Pro Tips from the Field

Disable Audio Recording: Pennsylvania's two-party consent law makes audio recording extremely risky. Default to video-only on all installations to avoid felony charges for your clients.

Get Your Business License First: Allentown requires contractors to have both trade credentials (if applicable) and a business license. Get this sorted before pulling permits.

Document Everything: Even when permits aren't required, maintain installation records including camera locations, wiring diagrams, and product specifications. This protects both you and your client.

Post Signage: For commercial installations, visible signage indicating video surveillance is in use protects your client legally and serves as a deterrent.

Check Historic Status: Before installing visible exterior cameras, verify the property isn't in a historic district that requires HARB approval.

Contact Information

Allentown Building Standards and Safety
City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA
Phone: (610) 437-7592
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

PA Attorney General - Home Improvement Registration
Website: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Allentown Building Standards and Safety before beginning work.