Security Camera Permit Requirements in Brown County, Wisconsin

Installing security cameras in Brown County, Wisconsin? Whether you're securing a commercial property in Green Bay, a retail location in De Pere, or a warehouse in Ashwaubenon, understanding permit and alarm registration requirements helps you stay compliant and deliver professional installations.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for basic security camera installations. Wisconsin exempts low voltage work (50 volts or less) from state electrical licensing and permitting requirements. Most security camera systems operate well below this threshold. However, Brown County requires alarm registration if your camera system includes monitored intrusion detection, and building permits may apply for exterior structural work.

Brown County Emergency Alarm Permit

Brown County has an alarm permit requirement administered through the County Clerk's Office. If the security camera system is part of a monitored alarm system, registration is required.

Who Needs to Register?

Alarm permits are required for properties in the following Brown County towns:

• Town of Eaton
• Town of Glenmore
• Town of Green Bay
• Town of Holland
• Town of Humboldt
• Town of Lawrence
• Town of Ledgeview
• Town of Morrison
• Town of New Denmark
• Town of Pittsfield
• Town of Rockland
• Town of Scott
• Town of Wrightstown

Registration Process

1. Complete the Alarm Permit Application in blue or black ink
2. A separate application is required for each type of alarm system
3. Include check for $40.00 payable to Brown County Clerk
4. Mail to: Brown County Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
5. Permit and confirmation will be mailed to the contact person listed

Important: Notify the Brown County Clerk's Office whenever contact information changes.

What Makes Security Camera Work Exempt?

Under Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 316, low voltage systems operating at 50 volts or less fall outside standard electrical permitting requirements. Most security camera systems use:

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) at 48V DC or less
• 12V DC or 24V AC power supplies
• Low voltage data cabling (Cat5e/Cat6)

This exemption applies to the camera installation itself. However, you may still need permits for:

• Installing new electrical circuits for NVR/DVR equipment
• Mounting equipment on building exteriors (building permit)
• Penetrating fire-rated walls or ceilings

Do You Need a Contractor License?

Wisconsin does not require a specific low voltage or security camera contractor license. You can legally install security cameras without a state-issued credential.

However, professional contractors should maintain:

• Business registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
• General liability insurance for commercial projects
• Local business licenses depending on the municipality

For more details on Wisconsin's regulatory framework, see our Wisconsin Low Voltage License Guide.

City of Green Bay Requirements

For projects within the City of Green Bay (the largest city in Brown County):

Electrical Work

Electrical services and wiring in the City must be done by an electrical contractor licensed in Green Bay. For DIY work in owner-occupied single-family dwellings, you must meet with an electrical inspector first. Call (920) 448-3300 to schedule.

Permit Resources

Visit the Green Bay Permit Guides, Forms & Fees page for current requirements and applications.

Other Brown County Municipalities

Brown County contains multiple municipalities, each with their own permitting processes:

• City of De Pere
• Village of Allouez
• Village of Ashwaubenon
• Village of Bellevue
• Village of Hobart
• Village of Howard
• Village of Pulaski
• Village of Suamico

Contact your specific municipality for local requirements.

Fees and Timeline

Requirement	Fee	Processing Time
Low Voltage Camera Installation	Usually exempt	N/A
Brown County Alarm Permit	$40.00	Mail processing
Building Permit (if structural)	Varies by municipality	3-10 business days
Electrical (if line voltage work)	Varies by municipality	1-3 business days

Wisconsin Recording Laws

Before installing security cameras for clients, ensure they understand Wisconsin privacy laws:

Video Recording

• Generally permitted in areas without reasonable privacy expectation
• Prohibited in restrooms, changing areas, private spaces
• Security cameras with audio capabilities do not violate Wisconsin's Electronic Surveillance Control Law when used appropriately

Audio Recording

• Wisconsin is a one-party consent state
• At least one party must consent to audio recording
• Recommend signage: "Audio and video surveillance in use"

Residential vs Commercial Projects

Residential Installations

Homeowners in Brown County can typically install their own security cameras without permits when:

• Work is limited to low voltage cabling
• No penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Cameras are positioned to respect neighbor privacy

Commercial Installations

Commercial projects have additional considerations:

• Building owner approval for exterior installations
• Alarm registration if part of monitored system
• Coordination with property management
• Certificate of insurance often required
• Network coordination with IT departments

Pro Tips for Brown County Contractors

• Check alarm registration: If system includes monitoring, ensure client registers with Brown County
• Verify municipality: Requirements vary between Green Bay, De Pere, and villages
• Document everything: Keep records of cable runs and equipment locations
• Use proper mounting: Wisconsin weather requires exterior-rated equipment
• Plan for winter: Consider heated camera housings for harsh conditions
• Network coordination: Work with IT on bandwidth requirements for IP systems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting Brown County alarm registration for monitored systems
• Not checking specific municipality requirements
• Installing cameras that capture areas with privacy expectations
• Using indoor-rated equipment for outdoor installations
• Not advising clients about audio recording consent requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Key Contacts

• Brown County Clerk (Alarm Permits): P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600 | Emergency Alarm Permit
• City of Green Bay Permits: (920) 448-3300 | Permit Guides
• Brown County: Permits
• Wisconsin DSPS: Electrical Installation Info

Related Permit Guides for Brown County

Explore permit requirements for other low voltage project types in Brown County:

• Fire Alarm Permits in Brown County
• Access Control Permits in Brown County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Brown County

Summary

For most security camera installations in Brown County, Wisconsin, no permit is required because the work falls under the state's low voltage exemption. However, if the camera system is part of a monitored alarm system, Brown County requires alarm registration ($40). Always verify with the specific municipality—Green Bay, De Pere, and the various villages each have their own processes. Wisconsin's lack of a statewide low voltage license makes it easier to operate, but maintaining professional standards and proper insurance remains essential.