Security Camera Permit Requirements in Arapahoe County, Colorado

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

When Are Permits Required?

Arapahoe County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work. Here's when you do and don't need permits:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Standalone security camera systems (IP or analog)
• 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 or municipal rights-of-way
• Installations on historic properties

Alarm Registration by Municipality

Arapahoe County contains multiple municipalities, each with potentially different alarm registration requirements:

Cherry Hills Village

• Alarm registration required for monitored systems
• Register in person at Cherry Hills Village Police Department
• Contact police department for current fees and forms

Centennial

• Contact Centennial Police Department for requirements
• False alarm ordinance may apply

Aurora (partial in Arapahoe County)

• Alarm permit required for monitored systems
• Online registration available
• See our Aurora Security Camera Permit Guide

Littleton

• Contact Littleton Police Department for alarm registration

Unincorporated Arapahoe County

• Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office handles alarm-related matters
• Requirements may differ from incorporated municipalities

Colorado Video Surveillance Laws

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

Legal Requirements:

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

Best Practices:

• Post visible signage indicating surveillance in use
• Position cameras to avoid capturing neighbors' private areas
• Disable audio if not needed to simplify consent issues
• Document camera placement and coverage areas

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Colorado does not have a statewide low voltage contractor license:

• State License: Not required for low voltage work under 50V
• Business License: May be required by municipality
• Insurance: General liability recommended
• Alarm Company License: Required for monitoring services

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

Building Permit Considerations

While cameras don't typically need permits, related work may:

Work Type	Permit Required?	Contact
Camera pole installation	Possibly	Local building dept
New electrical circuits	Yes	Building department
Exterior conduit	Check locally	Building department
Low voltage cabling only	No	N/A

Arapahoe County Contact

Arapahoe County Building Division
6924 S Lima St
Centennial, CO 80112
Phone: (720) 874-6550
Website: arapahoegov.com

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No permits typically required for camera systems
• Register alarm features if using monitoring service
• HOA approval may be needed in many Arapahoe County 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 payment areas
• Data retention policies for recorded footage
• ADA considerations for camera placement

Special Considerations for Arapahoe County

• HOA Communities: Many neighborhoods have architectural review requirements
• DIA Area: Properties near Denver International Airport may have restrictions
• Tech Corridor: High concentration of commercial properties along I-25
• Multiple Jurisdictions: Verify which municipality governs your property
• Suburban Development: New construction often includes camera pre-wire

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Confirm if property is in county or a municipality
• Check HOA Rules: Many communities have exterior modification requirements
• Register Early: Complete alarm registration before system activation
• Document Coverage: Provide camera layout to property owner
• Consider Integration: Plan for smart home and access control integration
• Weather Protection: Use cameras rated for Colorado temperature extremes

Common Security Camera Systems

Popular systems installed in Arapahoe County:

• IP Camera Systems: Network-based with PoE power
• Wireless Cameras: Wi-Fi connected for easy installation
• Doorbell Cameras: Ring, Nest, and similar devices
• Commercial CCTV: Analog and IP hybrid systems
• Cloud Storage: Remote viewing and recording
• AI Analytics: Motion detection and object recognition

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

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

Official Resources

• Arapahoe County Official Website
• Arapahoe County Building Division
• Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office