Security Camera Permit Requirements in Bloomington, Minnesota

Installing security cameras in Bloomington requires understanding Minnesota's contractor licensing requirements and state privacy laws. Home to Mall of America and numerous corporate headquarters, Bloomington has significant commercial and retail security needs. This guide covers permits, licensing, and compliance requirements.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no standalone security camera permit is required in Bloomington. Unlike neighboring Minneapolis, Bloomington does not have a mandatory camera registration ordinance. However, electrical permits may be required for installations involving electrical work, and contractors must hold valid Minnesota Power Limited Technician (PLT) and Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) licenses.

When Are Permits Required?

Security camera permits or electrical permits may be required when:

• Electrical work: New circuits or power connections require electrical permits
• New construction: Camera infrastructure included in building permit scope
• Commercial installations: May require licensed contractor verification
• Integration with alarm systems: Monitored systems may have additional requirements

How Do I Apply for Permits?

1. Determine if electrical work is involved
2. Apply through Bloomington Building and Inspections
3. Ensure contractor holds valid Minnesota electrical/technology licenses
4. Schedule inspection if electrical permit required

Contact Bloomington Building and Inspections:
Phone: 952-563-8930
Email: inspections@BloomingtonMN.gov

What Contractor Licenses Are Required?

Minnesota requires specific licensing for security camera installation:

• Power Limited Technician (PLT) License: Required for individuals performing low-voltage work on Class 2/3 technology circuits
• Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) License: Required for businesses—responsible individual must hold PLT or Master Electrician
• Electrical Contractor License: Required for line-voltage work (MN State licensed)

Bloomington requires all electrical work on rental properties, investment properties, and businesses to be performed by MN State Licensed Electrical Contractors only.

For detailed licensing requirements, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.

Verify Contractor Licensing

Use the Minnesota DLI License Lookup to verify contractor credentials.

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
Standard camera installation	No permit typically needed	N/A
Electrical permit	Per Bloomington fee schedule	Varies by scope
PLT License	$188	Expires Feb even years
TSC License	$188	Expires Feb even years

What Are Minnesota Privacy Laws for Cameras?

Bloomington installations must comply with Minnesota state privacy laws:

• Legal placement: Cameras allowed in public and private spaces without privacy expectations
• Prohibited locations: Bathrooms, bedrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms
• One-party consent: Minnesota allows audio recording if one party consents
• Signage: Not legally required but recommended as best practice

Business Camera Placement

• Allowed: Entrances, parking lots, retail floors, warehouses, Mall of America common areas
• Prohibited: Restrooms, employee break rooms, locker rooms, fitting rooms

What Are Residential vs Commercial Differences?

Residential Installations

• No permit typically required for exterior cameras
• No registration requirements
• Homeowners may perform electrical work on their own primary dwelling
• Privacy laws prohibit recording neighbors' private areas

Commercial Installations

• Licensed contractor required for all electrical work
• Rental and investment properties require MN State Licensed Electrical Contractor
• Mall of America and retail environments have high camera density
• Employee notification recommended
• 2023 NEC compliance for all electrical work

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Mall of America: Large retail projects may have specific security requirements
• Licensed contractor required: Commercial and rental properties cannot use unlicensed installers
• Verify AHJ: Check if state or local inspection applies to your project
• 2023 NEC: All electrical permits must comply with current code
• Minneapolis comparison: Unlike Minneapolis, Bloomington has no camera registration ordinance
• Audio recording: If cameras include audio, document one-party consent

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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