Security Camera Permit Requirements in Carmel, Indiana

Installing security camera systems in Carmel requires understanding both alarm permit requirements and Indiana's privacy laws. This guide covers what low voltage contractors need to know about security camera permits in Carmel and Hamilton County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, if the system triggers police response. Carmel City Code Section 4-72 requires any audible, mechanical, or electrical signal from a home or business detection system within city limits to be registered with the Carmel Police Department. The permit costs $10 one-time and is assigned to the address. Standalone camera systems without alarm monitoring may not require this permit.

What Types of Security Camera Work Require Permits?

The following may require permits in Carmel:

• Camera systems integrated with monitored alarms (requires $10 alarm permit)
• Systems that trigger police or emergency response
• Installations requiring new electrical circuits (electrical permit required)
• Systems in new construction projects (included in building permit)

Standalone camera systems using PoE or low voltage wiring without alarm monitoring typically do not require building permits.

Alarm Permit Requirements

Carmel has specific alarm registration requirements:

Permit Details

• One-time fee of $10.00
• Permit is assigned to the address
• Transferable to new homeowner or business owner
• Must provide two emergency contacts who can respond within 30 minutes
• Contacts must have access to premises and ability to deactivate alarm

How to Apply

Submit application with payment to:

Carmel Police Department / Alarm Permits
3 Civic Square
Carmel, Indiana 46032

Payment options:

• Money order or check payable to Carmel Police Department (mail)
• Exact cash, credit, debit card, or check (in person)

Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail applications.

Drop-Off Hours

Carmel Police Department Records Division: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

Displaying the Permit

Place the permit on the inside of the building near an entrance, visible to approaching emergency response personnel. Apply the sticky permit to a glass surface such as a door or nearby window.

Building Permit Requirements

For installations requiring building or electrical permits:

Residential Projects

All projects must be designed and built to the 2020 Indiana Residential Code (2018 IRC with 2020 Indiana Amendments). Contact Building & Code Services at 317-571-2444 for questions.

Commercial Projects

Commercial projects may require a Construction Design Release (CDR) from the State of Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Division of Fire & Building Safety. Contact planreview@dhs.in.gov for CDR requirements.

Where to Apply

Department	Contact	Hours
Building & Code Services	(317) 571-2444	Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Inspector on Call	(317) 571-2481	Mon-Fri 8am-9am
Police Records (Alarm Permits)	(317) 571-2520	Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Email (Alarm Permits)	cpdrecords@carmel.in.gov	-

What Are the Fees?

Fees for security camera related permits in Carmel:

Fee Type	Cost
Alarm Permit (one-time)	$10
Electrical Permit (if required)	Varies by scope
Building Permit (if required)	Based on project valuation

Citations and Penalties

If you receive a citation for no alarm permit:

• Obtain an alarm permit within 10 days
• Citation fines may be waived if permit is obtained within this period

Residential vs Commercial Security Camera Requirements

Residential Requirements

For residential security cameras in Carmel:

• Alarm permit required if system triggers police response ($10)
• Check if previous owner already has permit registered to address
• Must provide two emergency contacts with site access
• Cannot record areas where others have reasonable expectation of privacy

Commercial Requirements

Commercial security camera installations may require:

• Alarm permit registration with Police Department
• Construction Design Release (CDR) from State for larger projects
• Building permits for new construction
• Electrical permits for dedicated circuits

Indiana Privacy Laws for Security Cameras

Contractors should understand Indiana's privacy laws:

Video Recording

• Cannot record in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Illegal to place cameras on private property without owner/tenant consent (Class A misdemeanor under Indiana Code 35-46-8.5-1)
• Public areas and your own property are generally permissible

Audio Recording

Indiana is a "One-Party Consent" state - at least one party must consent to audio recording. Many contractors disable audio or use signage for implied consent.

Hamilton County (Unincorporated Areas)

For projects outside Carmel city limits in unincorporated Hamilton County:

• Work with Hamilton County Plan Commission's building department
• Located at 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 13, Noblesville, IN 46060
• Phone: (317) 776-8490

Pro Tips for Carmel Security Camera Projects

Based on contractor experience in the Carmel market:

• Check existing permits: Call Records Division to verify if alarm permit already exists for the address.
• Register promptly: Obtain alarm permit before system goes live to avoid citations.
• Provide reliable contacts: Ensure emergency contacts can respond within 30 minutes and have site access.
• Display permit properly: Help customers understand permit display requirements.
• Use online systems: Carmel's ePermits system streamlines building permit applications.
• Audio considerations: Discuss audio recording capabilities and privacy laws with customers.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Additional Resources

• Carmel Police Department - Alarm Permits
• Carmel Residential Permits
• Carmel Commercial Permits
• Carmel Building Permits and Contractor Licensure Code
• Hamilton County Permits and Inspections