Security Camera Permit Requirements in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Installing security cameras in Anne Arundel County requires understanding state licensing requirements, local permits, and alarm registration rules. This guide covers what contractors and property owners need to know about CCTV and surveillance system permits in Anne Arundel County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the installation scope. Security camera installations that involve electrical work require permits in Anne Arundel County. If your system includes alarm monitoring capabilities, you must register it with the Anne Arundel County Police Department's False Alarm Reduction Program. Contractors must hold proper state and county licenses.

What Types of Security Cameras Are Covered?

This guide applies to various surveillance system installations:

• CCTV and IP camera systems
• Network video recorders (NVR) and DVR systems
• PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras
• Outdoor and weatherproof cameras
• Video analytics and AI-powered surveillance
• Cloud-connected security cameras
• Integrated security systems with alarm monitoring

What Contractor Licenses Are Required?

Maryland Security Systems Agency License

The Maryland State Police requires a Security Systems Agency License for any company installing surveillance cameras in Maryland.

• Application fee: $150 (includes background check)
• Livescan fingerprints required
• $50,000 minimum liability insurance or fidelity bond
• Two character recommendations required
• Detailed background checks performed on all personnel

Anne Arundel County Electrical License

The Board of Electrical Examiners oversees electrical licensing in Anne Arundel County. Separate trade permits are required for electrical work and must be performed by tradesmen licensed in Anne Arundel County.

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

Do You Need an Electrical Permit?

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits:

Permit Required When

• Installing new electrical circuits for camera power
• Running electrical wiring through walls or ceilings
• Adding dedicated outlets for DVR/NVR equipment
• Commercial installations with significant electrical work

Permit May Not Be Required When

• Cameras plug into existing outlets
• Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems
• Wireless battery-powered or solar cameras
• Contact the county to verify specific situations

How Do You Apply for a Permit?

Effective December 1, 2025, all new permit applications require online submission via the LUN System.

Application Requirements

• Applicant must be a licensed electrical contractor or property owner
• Property owners who aren't licensed electricians must pass homeowner electrical examination (70% minimum) and sign homeowner affidavit
• Submit through the Anne Arundel County online permit system

Application Process

1. Create account in LUN System
2. Select electrical permit type
3. Enter contractor license information
4. Describe scope of work
5. Pay application fee ($43 non-refundable)
6. Schedule inspection upon completion

Is Alarm Registration Required?

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring or intrusion detection, you must register with the Anne Arundel County False Alarm Reduction Program.

Registration Requirements

• Any business with an alarm system must register or face fines
• Residential registration is optional but recommended
• No permit fee for residential alarm permits
• Alarm systems cannot be made operational until permit is obtained

Alarm Business Registration

Contractors providing alarm services must have an alarm business registration. Operating without registration is a Class C civil offense.

False Alarm Penalties

The ordinance fines property owners with repeated false alarms. All civil penalties must be paid within 30 days of notice.

Contact Information

Anne Arundel County False Alarm Reduction Program
Phone: 877-215-4592
Email: annearundel@alarm-billing.com
Online: CryWolf Services Portal

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Cost	Notes
Electrical Permit Application	$43.00	Non-refundable
Security Systems Agency License	$150	State license
Residential Alarm Registration	Free	Optional but recommended
Commercial Alarm Registration	Contact county	Required
Working Without Permit Penalty	Up to $1,000	Or 50% of total permit fee

What Are Maryland Video Surveillance Laws?

Understanding legal requirements is essential for proper installation:

Video Recording

• Legal to have video surveillance on personal property and businesses
• Cameras cannot be placed where privacy is expected (dressing rooms, restrooms)
• No consent required for video-only surveillance on your property

Audio Recording Restrictions

• Maryland requires all-party consent for audio recording
• Recording private conversations without consent is illegal
• Consider disabling audio or posting notice signs

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Homeowners may install own cameras after passing exam
• Simple plug-in systems may not require permits
• Alarm registration optional but helps avoid false alarm penalties

Commercial Projects

• Licensed contractor required
• Electrical permits required for wired systems
• Alarm registration mandatory for monitored systems
• Must comply with all applicable codes

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Get licensed first: Maryland State Police license required before marketing services
• Use PoE when possible: Power over Ethernet reduces electrical permit complexity
• Register alarms proactively: Help clients avoid false alarm fines
• Disable audio by default: Maryland's all-party consent law makes audio recording risky
• Use the online system: As of December 2025, all permits must be submitted via LUN System
• Document camera placement: Ensure cameras don't view areas where privacy is expected

Key Contacts

Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits
Address: 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-222-7730
Email: ipmailbox@aacounty.org
Website: aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits

Board of Electrical Examiners
Website: Board of Electrical Examiners

False Alarm Reduction Program
Phone: 877-215-4592
Email: annearundel@alarm-billing.com
Website: Alarm Registration

Maryland State Police Licensing
Security Systems Agency: mdsp.maryland.gov

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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