Security Camera Permit Requirements in Cincinnati, Ohio

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Cincinnati, Ohio generally do not require permits when operating under 50 volts and using existing electrical infrastructure. Electrical permits are required for new circuits. If your system includes monitored alarm capabilities, registration with Cincinnati's False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) is required, though registration fees were suspended following a 2022 court ruling.

When Are Permits Required?

Cincinnati follows the Ohio Building Code with local amendments. For security camera systems:

• No permit required: Low voltage camera systems (under 50V)
• No permit required: IP cameras using existing network infrastructure
• No permit required: Wireless and battery-powered cameras
• No permit required: PoE camera systems on existing network
• Electrical permit required: New 120V circuits for camera power
• Electrical permit required: Line voltage connections for equipment
• Fire alarm permit required: Cameras integrated with fire systems

Cincinnati Alarm Registration (FARU)

If your camera system includes monitored alarm capabilities, registration is required with the Cincinnati False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU):

Registration Requirements

• Registration: Required for all monitored alarm systems
• Registration fees: Suspended as of March 2022 (court ruling)
• Unregistered penalty: $100 plus $800 per false alarm

False Alarm Fees (Registered Systems)

False Alarm Number	Fee
1st - 2nd	No fee
3rd	$50 (waivable with alarm school)
4th	$75
5th	$100
6th	$150
7th	$200
8th	$300
9th	$400
10th	$500
11th+	$800 each

FARU Contact Information

False Alarm Reduction Unit
310 Ezzard Charles Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45214
Phone: (513) 352-1272
Website: cpdweb.cincinnati-oh.gov

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a statewide security camera license:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) regulates electrical work:

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work only
• Not required for: Low voltage camera systems under 50V
• Experience: 5 years for electrical license
• Insurance: $500,000 minimum liability

Cincinnati Permit Application Process

When electrical permits are required:

Step 1: Submit Application

Apply at the Cincinnati Permit Center:

Address: 805 Central Avenue, Suite 500
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 352-3271
Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Step 2: Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• System layout showing camera locations
• Electrical load calculations (if applicable)
• Contractor license information

Step 3: Inspections

• Rough-in inspection: Before concealing electrical work
• Final inspection: After system completion

Fees and Processing Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Alarm Registration	Currently suspended	Immediate online
Reinspection	$50+	As scheduled

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Security Cameras

• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest, Arlo): No permit required
• DVR/NVR systems with PoE cameras: No permit required
• Wireless camera systems: No permit required
• Cameras with monitored alarm: FARU registration required

Commercial Security Cameras

• IP camera systems: No permit if using existing network
• Analog systems with new wiring: May need electrical permit
• Monitored systems: FARU registration required
• Access control integration: Check fire code requirements

Ohio Security Camera Laws

Important legal requirements for Cincinnati installations:

Privacy Requirements

• No cameras in private areas: Bathrooms, changing rooms prohibited
• Legitimate purpose: Must have business reason for recording
• Signage recommended: Post visible notices about surveillance
• Employee notification: Inform staff about recording

Audio Recording

• One-party consent: Ohio Revised Code § 2933.52
• At least one party: Must consent to audio recording

Alarm User Awareness School

Cincinnati offers a free Alarm User Awareness School:

• Cost: Free
• Benefit: Can waive 3rd false alarm fee
• Content: False alarm prevention and system understanding
• Registration: Contact FARU at (513) 352-1272

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• FARU registration: Register monitored systems even though fees are suspended—unregistered penalties are severe
• Low voltage advantage: Most IP camera jobs need no permit—verify no new electrical circuits needed
• PoE simplifies: Power over Ethernet eliminates electrical permit requirements
• False alarm prevention: Train clients to reduce $800 maximum fees
• Alarm school referral: Recommend free alarm school to clients with false alarm issues

Common Installation Scenarios

Home Security - 8 Camera System

Residential PoE camera system with NVR: No permit required. FARU registration if monitored. No state license required.

Retail Store Surveillance

Commercial IP camera system: No permit if using existing network. FARU registration if monitored. OCILB license only for line voltage work.

Office Building with New Electrical

Camera system requiring new 120V circuits: Electrical permit required. OCILB electrical license required. FARU registration if monitored.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Ohio Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Columbus Security Camera Permits
• Cleveland Security Camera Permits