Security Camera Permit Requirements in Chesterfield County, Virginia

Quick Answer: Chesterfield County requires alarm system permits within 30 days of installation through the Police Department. Failure to register can result in $25 fees and Class 4 misdemeanor charges. The county also offers a voluntary Community Connect camera registration program for residents and businesses.

When Are Permits Required?

Understanding when permits apply in Chesterfield County:

Building Permits Generally Required:

• Commercial security camera installations with new electrical circuits
• Systems requiring structural modifications or conduit installation
• Installations in buildings undergoing renovation with active permits

Building Permits Typically Not Required:

• Residential standalone camera systems
• Wireless camera installations using existing power outlets
• Camera replacements on existing infrastructure
• Battery-powered or solar-powered camera systems

Alarm System Permit Requirements

Under Chesterfield County Code Article I - Alarm Systems, monitored security systems require permits:

Key Requirements:

• Timeline: Permit required within 30 days of installation
• Late Fee: $25 assessed for failure to meet deadline
• Penalty: Class 4 misdemeanor (up to $250) for continued non-compliance after notice
• Updates: Changes must be reported within 10 days

How to Register:

• Online: Chesterfield County CryWolf Portal
• Download registration form from portal
• Return via mail or email
• Phone: (855) 694-8279 for questions

False Alarm Definitions:

A false alarm includes any communication that:

• Results in police response with no evidence of criminal activity
• Is activated negligently or accidentally
• Has undetermined actual cause
• Is purposely activated for non-emergencies
• Results from faulty or improperly maintained equipment

Payment and Penalties:

• Unpaid charges within 30 days can result in permit revocation
• Late payment penalty: 10% or $10 (whichever is greater)
• 10% annual interest on referred collections

Community Connect Camera Program

Chesterfield County offers a voluntary Community Connect Program:

• Residents and businesses can register home/business cameras
• Registration does NOT give police access to cameras
• Helps police know where cameras exist for investigations
• Voluntary participation only

Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements

Virginia requires dual licensing for security contractors working in Chesterfield County:

DCJS Electronic Security License

The Virginia DCJS regulates electronic security businesses:

• Electronic Security Business License required
• Compliance agent with proper certification
• Background checks for all employees
• Technician registration and training

DPOR Contractor License

The Virginia DPOR requires contractor licensing:

License Class	Experience	Contract Limit
Class A	5 years	Unlimited
Class B	3 years	$120,000
Class C	2 years	$10,000

For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Install System

• Use DCJS-licensed contractor
• Complete installation per code requirements
• Test system before activation

Step 2: Register Within 30 Days

• Access CryWolf portal online
• Complete registration form
• Provide contact information and monitoring details

Step 3: Maintain Compliance

• Report changes within 10 days
• Pay any false alarm charges promptly
• Keep permit current

Contact Information:

Chesterfield County Police - Alarm Registration
Phone: (855) 694-8279
Online: crywolfservices.com/chesterfieldcova

Chesterfield County Building Inspection
9901 Lori Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Phone: (804) 748-1057

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Alarm Registration	Contact for current fee	Within 30 days of install
Late Registration	$25 additional	After 30-day deadline
Building Permit (if needed)	Based on project	3-5 business days
Late Payment Penalty	10% or $10 min	After 30 days unpaid

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Generally exempt from building permits for standalone cameras
• Alarm permit required within 30 days for monitored systems
• Community Connect registration optional
• DCJS-licensed contractor required for professional installation

Commercial Installations

• Building permit may be required for electrical work
• Alarm permit mandatory within 30 days
• Community Connect program available
• Higher accountability for false alarms

Automated Dialing Restrictions

Chesterfield County has specific restrictions on automated dialers:

• Unlawful for automated systems to call 911 directly
• Must connect to designated emergency seven-digit number
• Central station monitoring must use proper protocols

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Register alarms immediately. The 30-day deadline is strict. Complete registration during installation to avoid $25 late fees and potential misdemeanor charges for your customer.

Use the CryWolf portal. Online registration is fastest and provides immediate confirmation. Keep registration confirmation for your records.

Educate customers on false alarms. Chesterfield County actively enforces false alarm policies with escalating penalties. Thorough customer training prevents issues.

Report changes promptly. The 10-day requirement for reporting changes is enforced. Update contact information and system details immediately when changes occur.

Consider Community Connect. Recommend the voluntary camera registration to customers - it helps police and builds community goodwill without giving up camera access.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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