Security Camera Permit Requirements in Bellevue, Washington

Installing security cameras in Bellevue, Washington requires understanding the city's specific electrical permit requirements and Washington State contractor licensing. As of April 2024, Bellevue follows the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and 2023 Washington Cities Electrical Codes. This guide covers everything you need to know about permits, licenses, and legal compliance.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

For most installations, yes. According to Bellevue City Code Chapter 23.05.090, an electrical permit is required for the installation, alteration, repair, replacement, modification or maintenance of all electrical systems, wire and electrical equipment regardless of voltage.

This includes low voltage systems such as:

• NEC Class 1 power limited circuits at 30 volts maximum
• NEC Class 2 circuits powered by a Class 2 power supply
• NEC Class 3 circuits powered by a Class 3 power supply

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Permit Required

• Commercial CCTV and surveillance systems
• Residential systems with new wiring (unless specific exemption applies)
• Systems integrated with fire/smoke alarms
• PoE camera installations with new cable runs
• Any installation involving electrical work regardless of voltage

Residential Exemption

Low voltage installation wiring is exempt from permits when:

• Installed within a structure regulated by the International Residential Code
• NOT part of a fire/smoke alarm system
• Power is supplied by a listed Class 2 power supply

This exemption allows many basic residential security camera installations without permits.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Washington State requires proper electrical licensing for security camera installations. The Washington EL06 Limited Energy License is the primary credential for low voltage contractors.

EL06 Limited Energy License

• Experience: 4,000 hours of supervised training
• Examination: Must pass the L&I Limited Energy System exam
• Business Requirements: Valid contractor registration, bond, and insurance

Scope Limitations

EL06 allows CCTV and surveillance installation but does not permit:

• Line voltage work (120V for NVR power)
• Modifications to building electrical systems
• Work requiring EL01 general electrician license

Washington State Privacy Laws

Before installing security cameras in Bellevue, understand Washington's privacy requirements:

Two-Party Consent State

Washington is a two-party consent state under RCW 9.73.030:

• Audio recording: All parties must consent to being recorded
• Video-only: Generally permitted in public areas without consent
• Private areas: Never record in bathrooms, changing rooms, or areas with reasonable privacy expectation

Best Practice

Post visible signage indicating surveillance is in use, even when not legally required.

Bellevue Permit Application Process

Permits Without Plan Review

Electrical permits that do not require plan review can be issued the same day. These permits still require inspections.

Permits Requiring Plan Review

Larger commercial installations may require plan review. If you believe your project should not require plan review, contact an electrical plan reviewer to receive a waiver.

How to Apply

1. Visit Permit Center: City of Bellevue Development Services
2. Submit Application: Provide project details and contractor license
3. Pay Fees: Submit applicable permit fees
4. Schedule Inspection: Request inspection upon completion

Contact Information

• Phone: 425-452-6800
• Email: servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov
• In-Person Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (remote service)
• Website: bellevuewa.gov/permits

Current Building Codes

As of 2024, Bellevue has adopted:

• 2021 I-Codes (effective March 15, 2024)
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) (effective April 1, 2024)
• 2023 Washington Cities Electrical Codes (effective April 1, 2024)

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$75-$150
Commercial Electrical Permit	$100-$250+
Plan Review (if required)	Additional fees
Inspection Fee	Often included

Process Step	Typical Timeline
Same-Day Permit (no plan review)	Same day
Permit with Plan Review	1-2 weeks
Inspection Scheduling	1-3 business days

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

• Class 2 powered systems in IRC structures may be exempt
• Systems connected to fire/smoke alarms require permits
• Homeowners can often perform exempt work themselves
• Common exempt systems: wireless cameras, plug-in cameras

Commercial CCTV Systems

• Permits required regardless of voltage
• Must use licensed contractor (EL06 or appropriate license)
• Plan review may be required for larger installations
• Consider employee privacy policies

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Know the residential exemption: Class 2 powered cameras in IRC buildings (not connected to fire alarm) may be exempt
• "Regardless of voltage" means it: Bellevue requires permits for all electrical work—don't assume low voltage is automatically exempt
• Same-day permits available: Simple installations without plan review can get permits issued same day
• Request waivers when appropriate: If you think plan review isn't needed, ask for a waiver
• Disable audio by default: Washington's two-party consent law makes audio recording risky
• Inspections still required: Even same-day permits require inspection before system goes live

Verify Your Contractor

Before hiring a security camera installer in Bellevue, verify credentials through the Washington L&I Contractor Verification Tool.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Washington Low Voltage License Requirements
• Security Camera Permits in Seattle, WA
• Security Camera Permits in Tacoma, WA