Security Camera Permit Requirements in Charlotte, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Charlotte and Mecklenburg County require electrical permits for security camera installations involving low-voltage wiring. While some standalone systems may be exempt from contractor licensing requirements, permits and inspections are still required. Installers must hold either a North Carolina Electrical Contractor license (SP-FA/LV or higher) or an Alarm Systems Business License from the NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board.

When Are Permits Required?

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement requires permits for most low-voltage installations. Per county guidelines, permit requirements depend on the scope of work:

Permits Required

• Low-voltage system installation: Security cameras, surveillance systems, and related wiring
• System alterations: Adding cameras or expanding existing systems
• Commercial installations: All business security camera systems
• Code-required systems: Any security system required by the NC State Building Code
• Integrated systems: Cameras tied to access control or fire alarm systems

Permit Exemption Conditions

Some low-voltage systems may be exempt from licensed contractor requirements (but still require permits) if ALL of these conditions are met:

• System is not required by NC State Building Code
• Control circuit is Class II or Class III per NEC
• Operates at 50 volts or less
• Not installed in hazardous areas per NEC
• Protected by circuit breaker, fuse, or current limiting device

North Carolina Contractor Licensing Requirements

Security camera installation in Charlotte requires proper licensing from multiple state agencies:

Electrical Contractor License Options

License Type	Issuing Board	Security Camera Coverage
SP-FA/LV (Fire Alarm/Low Voltage)	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	CCTV, security systems, low voltage wiring
SP-LV (Low Voltage)	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Low voltage systems including surveillance
Intermediate/Limited/Unlimited	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Full electrical including low voltage

Alarm Systems Business License

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board requires:

• Company license: Every business must obtain an Alarm Systems Business License (no fee)
• Qualified agent: Must have 2 years experience or complete Certified Alarm Technician Level I course
• Background check: Criminal record check for past 60 months required
• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old with high school diploma or equivalent

Reciprocity

The SP-FA/LV license has reciprocity with AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, VA, and WV.

For complete state licensing requirements, see our North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Charlotte/Mecklenburg Permit Application Process

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement handles permits for both Charlotte and unincorporated areas:

Step 1: Set Up Account

Before applying for permits, you must have an account and bond set up with the registrar's office.

Step 2: Submit Electrical Permit Application

Submit an Electrical permit application for low voltage work. If multiple contractors are installing different low voltage systems, each contractor needs a separate permit application.

Step 3: Coordinate with Overall Project

If security camera wiring is part of a larger construction project, coordinate the Electrical permit application with the overall project permits.

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

Projects requiring permits typically need three inspections:

• Rough-in inspection: Before walls are closed
• Service inspection: Electrical service verification
• Final inspection: Complete system verification

Contact Information

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (LUESA)
2145 Suttle Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: code.mecknc.gov

Code Info & Resource Center (CIRC)
Website: code.mecknc.gov/customer-tools/circ

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Electrical Permit (Low Voltage)	$50-$150	1-3 business days
Commercial Permit	Based on project value	5-10 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule as needed
Re-inspection	Varies	Next available day

North Carolina Security Camera Privacy Laws

When installing security cameras in Charlotte, installers and property owners must comply with NC state privacy laws:

Where Cameras Are Permitted

• Public areas with no reasonable expectation of privacy (NCGS §15A-287)
• Front yards, driveways, parking lots
• Retail spaces and commercial entrances
• Common areas of businesses

Where Cameras Are Prohibited

• Private spaces like bathrooms (NCGS §14-202 - Class I felony)
• Areas where individuals have reasonable expectation of privacy
• Recording private activities without consent

Audio Recording Requirements

North Carolina is a one-party consent state. Critical considerations:

• Video-only recording is generally permitted in non-private areas
• Audio recording without consent of at least one party is a Class H felony (up to 25 months prison)
• Commercial systems should disable audio in areas where private conversations occur
• Post signage: "Video Surveillance in Use" at entrances

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

Home security camera installations in Charlotte may qualify for permit exemptions if meeting all exemption conditions. However:

• Permits are still recommended for insurance and liability purposes
• Homeowners can apply for permits online with proper account setup
• Installation must comply with privacy laws regarding neighboring properties

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial installations have stricter requirements:

• Licensed contractor required: SP-FA/LV license or Alarm Systems Business License
• Permits mandatory: No exemptions for commercial properties
• Privacy compliance: Disable audio in customer/employee areas or post clear signage
• Multiple inspections: Rough-in, service, and final inspections required

System Transition Notice

Important: Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement is transitioning from Electronic Plan Management (EPM) to Accela. New processes will be available in Accela effective August 25, 2025, with existing projects resuming September 4, 2025.

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Dual licensing: Many contractors hold both the NC Electrical license and Alarm Systems Business License for full compliance
• Separate permits: If different contractors install different low-voltage systems, each needs their own permit
• Audio compliance: Default to disabling audio recording on commercial systems to avoid felony liability
• Coordinate early: For larger projects, coordinate your electrical permit with the overall building permit
• Privacy signage: Always install "Video Surveillance in Use" signs at entrances
• Account setup first: Set up your Mecklenburg County account and bond before attempting to pull permits

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across North Carolina and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements