Security Camera Permit Requirements in Cobb County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Cobb County does not require permits for security camera installations. However, Cobb County Police offers a voluntary Security Camera Registry to help investigators identify cameras near crime scenes. If cameras connect to monitored alarm systems, registration with the Cobb County False Alarm Reduction Unit is mandatory. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license.

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras in Cobb County?

Security camera installations in unincorporated Cobb County do not require dedicated permits for the camera equipment itself.

Situations That May Require Permits

• New electrical circuits: Running dedicated power may require electrical permits
• Structural modifications: Mounting poles, roof penetrations
• Commercial construction: Security systems as part of building projects

Typically Permit-Exempt Work

• Standalone camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• IP cameras on existing networks
• Residential camera systems
• Surface-mounted cable runs

Cobb County Security Camera Registry

Cobb County Police offers a voluntary camera registration program to assist law enforcement:

Program Benefits

• Community partnership: Helps police identify cameras near crime scenes
• No access given: Registration does not give police access to your footage
• Contact for incidents: Officers contact you if a crime occurs near your camera
• Free and quick: No cost, takes less than one minute

Optional Camera Sharing

Cobb County also offers an optional camera sharing program:

• Choose which exterior, public-facing cameras to share
• Improves emergency response time
• Access granted only during emergencies

Register at: Cobb County Security Camera Registry

Alarm Registration Requirements

If your security camera system connects to a monitored burglar alarm, registration with Cobb County is mandatory.

Who Must Register

• All burglar alarm systems in unincorporated Cobb County
• Both residential and commercial systems
• Systems monitored for police response

Exempt from Registration

• Motor vehicle or boat alarms
• Fire alarms
• Medical alert systems

How to Register

Register online at cityalarmpermit.us or contact:

• Phone: (888) 535-4535
• Cobb County Police: (770) 528-3819

False Alarm Fee Schedule

Per the Cobb County False Alarm Ordinance (effective January 1, 2009):

Violation	Fine
Unregistered alarm system	$100
2+ false alarms per year	Escalating fines
10th+ false alarm	$400
Non-response status	10+ false alarms or 60+ days delinquent

Appeal Process

Appeals must be filed within 30 days to:

Cobb County Police Department
False Alarm Reduction Unit
P.O. Box 743626
Atlanta, GA 30374

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires contractor licensing for security camera work under O.C.G.A. 43-14.

License Types

License	Code	Scope
Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work
Alarm	LVA	Security, CCTV, alarm systems
General	LVG	General low voltage (non-alarm)

For licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Georgia Security Camera Laws

Legal Camera Placement

• Public areas: Monitor areas visible to the public
• Business premises: Parking lots, entrances, work areas
• Visibility: Georgia requires cameras in plain sight

Prohibited Locations

• Bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas
• Areas with reasonable privacy expectations
• Neighbor private property

Pro Tips from Georgia Security Contractors

• Register cameras: Help law enforcement while building community goodwill
• Register alarms: Ensure police response to monitored systems
• Train customers: Reduce false alarms through proper system use
• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm county vs. city coverage
• Document installation: Photograph camera positions for records

Cities Within Cobb County

City	Notes
Marietta	Contact city police for separate requirements
Smyrna	Contact city building department
Kennesaw	Contact city building department
Acworth	Contact city building department
Powder Springs	Contact city building department
Austell	Contact city building department

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Gwinnett County, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia