Security Camera Permit Requirements in Bexar County, Texas

Quick Answer: Unincorporated Bexar County requires alarm permits for monitored systems through the Sheriff's Office. Residential building permits are generally not required (county lacks authority), but commercial/multi-family requires permits through the Fire Marshal. All installers must hold a valid Texas PSB Class B Security Contractor License.

Bexar County encompasses San Antonio and surrounding areas. Requirements vary based on whether you're in the city or unincorporated county.

First: Determine Your Jurisdiction

Bexar County contains San Antonio and other incorporated areas:

• San Antonio - Has separate alarm permit requirements through SAPD
• Various suburban cities - Individual requirements apply
• Unincorporated Bexar County - County rules apply (detailed below)

How to Check: Contact Bexar County Public Works at (210) 335-6700 to verify if your location is in unincorporated Bexar County.

Unincorporated Bexar County Requirements

Residential Security Cameras: No Building Permit Required

Bexar County does not have legal authority to regulate residential construction or conduct residential inspections in unincorporated areas. Most residential construction has not been permitted, and residential Certificates of Occupancy generally don't exist.

This means: No building permit is required for residential security camera installations.

However: Alarm permits are still required if the system is monitored.

Commercial Projects: Permits Required

A building permit is required for:

• New commercial buildings
• Public access buildings
• Multi-family residential (4+ units)
• Pre-built buildings placed on property
• Substantial improvements to existing buildings

Bexar County Alarm Permit Requirements

Who Needs a Permit?

No person shall operate an alarm system in unincorporated Bexar County unless a valid permit has been issued. This applies to:

• Burglar alarms
• Panic alarms
• Hold-up alarms
• Fire alarms (with Sheriff response)

False Alarm Fees

Status	Fee
First 5 false alarms per permit term	No charge
Each additional false alarm	$75

This generous allowance (5 free false alarms) is more lenient than many Texas jurisdictions.

Equipment Requirements

Alarm equipment must be:

• U.L. approved
• Monitored by a U.L. approved central station
• Installed in compliance with Private Security Agencies Act

Required: Letter from alarm company confirming compliance, signed by representative.

How to Apply

Online: Bexar County False Alarm Reduction Website

By Mail:
Bexar County Alarm Permit Program
PO Box 842841
Dallas, TX 75284-2841

Phone: (855) 694-8282
Email: bexarcountytx@alarm-billing.com

San Antonio vs. Unincorporated Bexar County

Requirement	San Antonio (City)	Unincorporated Bexar County
Alarm permit	Through SAPD	Through Sheriff
False alarm allowance	Per SAPD rules	5 free, then $75 each
Building permit (residential)	May be required	Not required
Building permit (commercial)	Required	Required
PSB license	Required	Required

For San Antonio requirements, see our San Antonio Security Camera Permit Guide.

Texas PSB Licensing Requirements

Regardless of building permit requirements, all security camera installers in Texas must hold a Private Security Bureau license.

License Classifications

• Class A: Investigations company license
• Class B: Security services contractor license (required for cameras, alarms, CCTV)
• Class C: Covers both Class A and Class B operations

Requirements to Get Licensed

1. Pass two exams: Technical exam and Texas code exam
2. Pass the Certified Alarm Technician Level I exam (for installers)
3. Submit application to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
4. Processing time: 6-8 weeks
5. Renewal: Annual

→ See our complete guide: Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Fee	Timeline
Bexar County Alarm Permit	Contact for current fee	Before activation
False Alarm (after 5 free)	$75	Per occurrence
Commercial Building Permit	Varies	Up to 30 days
PSB Class B License	~$400-700	6-8 weeks
PSB License Renewal	~$200-300	Annual

Fees subject to change. Contact Bexar County for current fee schedules.

Pro Tips

Based on contractor experience in the Bexar County market:

• 5 false alarms free - Bexar County is generous with false alarm allowance. Don't waste them.
• 72-hour repair window - If you get a malfunction notice, act fast or the system must be deactivated.
• U.L. approval matters - Monitored systems require documentation of U.L. approved equipment.
• Block permitting available - Alarm companies can file permits on behalf of customers.
• No residential permits - County can't require them for residential, but commercial is different.
• Public Works first - For commercial permits, get authorization from Public Works before Fire Marshal.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas
• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Bexar County Alarm Permits
• Bexar County Building Permits
• Texas DPS Private Security Bureau

Last updated: January 2025. Information verified against official sources. Requirements change—verify jurisdiction and contact Bexar County and Texas PSB before starting work.