Security Camera Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia

Quick Answer: Atlanta does not require property owners to obtain permits specifically for security cameras. However, contractors who install CCTV systems must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License from the Secretary of State. Atlanta offers Connect Atlanta, a voluntary camera registration program that allows residents and businesses to register their cameras with the Atlanta Police Department to help solve crimes faster.

Understanding Atlanta's Security Camera Requirements

Atlanta has a straightforward approach to security camera installations. While there's no city permit required for the cameras themselves, Georgia requires professional installers to be licensed. The city also operates one of the largest public-private surveillance networks in the country through the Connect Atlanta program.

When Permits Are Required

Permits may be required in Atlanta for security camera installations when:

• Significant electrical work - New circuits or panel modifications require electrical permits from the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings
• Structural modifications - Pole mounting, wall penetrations, or major installations
• Historic districts - Camera placement and appearance may require approval from historical preservation boards
• Large new construction - Buildings over 100,000 square feet are now required to install security camera networks per City Council mandate

When Permits Are Not Required

Most security camera installations in Atlanta are permit-exempt:

• Residential camera systems using existing electrical infrastructure
• Wireless camera installations with no structural mounting
• Indoor commercial cameras using existing power and network
• Simple replacements of existing camera equipment
• Unmonitored systems without emergency dispatch capabilities

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License

The Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors requires licensing for all professional CCTV installers.

License Classifications

License Type	Code	Scope
Unrestricted	LV-U	All low voltage work including alarm, general, and telecommunications
Alarm	LV-A	Burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, CCTV for security
Telecommunications	LV-T	Voice, data, and communications systems
General	LV-G	General low voltage systems

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Experience	Minimum 1 year in low voltage wiring for category applied
References	3 letters of reference required
Examination	Open book, 90 questions, 4-hour time limit, 70% to pass
Application	Submit via GOALS portal (no paper applications)
Renewal	Every 2 years
Continuing Ed	None required currently

For Unrestricted License (LV-U)

Applicants must submit an affidavit detailing at least 6 complete low voltage wiring jobs—3 in alarm and 3 in telecommunications systems.

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

Connect Atlanta Camera Registration

Atlanta operates Connect Atlanta, one of the nation's largest public-private surveillance networks:

Program Overview

• Purpose: Help Atlanta Police Department solve crimes faster
• Cost: Free registration
• Time: Registration takes less than one minute
• Privacy: APD cannot access your live video—only knows cameras exist at your location

How It Works

1. Register your camera location at ConnectAtlanta.org
2. If an incident occurs nearby, APD investigators may contact you via email
3. You can choose whether to share your footage

Program Scale

Connect Atlanta includes:

• Over 15,000 community-owned cameras integrated into the system
• 1,800 Axis cameras owned by APD
• 16,500+ business and homeowner cameras registered
• Operation Shield network of 20,000+ public and private cameras

Georgia Video Surveillance Laws

All security camera installations in Atlanta must comply with Georgia surveillance laws:

Permitted Uses

• Surveillance on private property for security purposes
• Business surveillance with posted signage
• Residential exterior cameras on your own property

Prohibited Uses

• Recording areas where people have reasonable privacy expectations
• Capturing neighbors' windows or yards
• Employee restrooms or changing rooms
• Any location with reasonable expectation of privacy

Audio Recording

Georgia is a one-party consent state for audio recording. If your cameras have audio capabilities, ensure compliance with state wiretapping laws.

City of Atlanta Contacts

Department	Contact
Office of Buildings	(404) 330-6190
Connect Atlanta (Camera Registration)	connectatlanta.org
GA Low Voltage Board	(404) 424-9966
Atlanta Police Foundation	atlantapolicefoundation.org

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
Security camera permit	Not required for cameras alone	N/A
Electrical permit (if needed)	$50-$200	1-5 business days
Connect Atlanta registration	Free	Under 1 minute
GA LV Contractor license exam	$150	Schedule through PSI
GA LV license application	$150	2-4 weeks processing

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No permit required for typical camera installations
• Self-installation is legal on your own property
• Register with Connect Atlanta to assist crime solving
• Follow Georgia privacy laws regarding neighbor visibility
• Electrical permits needed only for new circuit installation

Commercial Projects

• Must use Georgia-licensed low voltage contractor (LV-A or LV-U)
• Post visible notice of video surveillance
• No cameras in employee private areas
• New buildings over 100,000 sq ft must install camera networks
• Consider Connect Atlanta integration for faster police response

Pro Tips from Atlanta Contractors

• Verify contractor licensing - Check the Georgia Secretary of State website before hiring
• Register with Connect Atlanta - Free program that benefits community safety
• Document camera positions - Avoid pointing at areas with privacy expectations
• Consider humidity - Atlanta's climate requires cameras rated for high humidity
• Plan for storms - Outdoor installations need proper weatherproofing
• Use licensed contractors - Professional installers handle permitting and ensure code compliance

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in Atlanta before they reach bid boards?

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage License Requirements
• More Georgia Permit Guides

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current regulations with the Georgia Secretary of State and City of Atlanta before starting work.