Security Camera Permit Requirements in DeKalb County, Georgia

Quick Answer: DeKalb County does not require specific permits for security camera installations. However, if cameras connect to monitored alarm systems, registration with the DeKalb County Police through the CryWolf program is mandatory. The annual registration fee is $5. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license.

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras in DeKalb County?

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

Situations That May Require Permits

• New electrical circuits: Running dedicated power
• Structural modifications: Mounting poles, roof penetrations
• Commercial construction: Security systems in building projects

Typically Permit-Exempt Work

• Standalone camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• IP cameras on existing networks
• Residential camera systems

DeKalb County Alarm Registration Requirements

Per DeKalb County Code Chapter 3, all alarm systems in unincorporated DeKalb County must be registered.

Registration Details

• Administrator: CryWolf Corporation
• Annual fee: $5 per year
• Requirement: All monitored alarm systems must be registered
• Responsibility: Alarm companies register on behalf of customers

How to Register

Register through the DeKalb County CryWolf registration or contact:

• Online: crywolf.us/oss/dekalbcoga
• Phone: 877-665-2988

Penalty for Non-Registration

Violation	Fine
Unregistered alarm system	$499
Alarm company failure to register customer	$495 per subscriber
Alarm company response time violation	$499 minimum

Alarm Company Requirements

• Must register all customers in unincorporated DeKalb County
• Update customer changes within 30 days
• Respond to alarm location within 45 minutes when requested
• Pay $5 registration fee per residential customer

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires contractor licensing under O.C.G.A. 43-14:

License	Code	Scope
Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work
Alarm	LVA	Security, CCTV, alarms
General	LVG	General low voltage

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

Contact Information

DeKalb County Police Services - Permits
dekalbcountyga.gov/police-services/permits
Allow 2 business days for application processing

CryWolf Registration
Phone: 877-665-2988
Website: crywolf.us/oss/dekalbcoga

Pro Tips from Georgia Security Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm county vs. city coverage
• Register early: Complete alarm registration before system goes live
• Significant penalties: $499 fine for unregistered systems
• Alarm company coordination: Ensure your monitoring company registers you
• Document installation: Photograph camera positions

Cities Within DeKalb County

City	Notes
Decatur	Contact city building department
Dunwoody	Contact city building department
Brookhaven	Contact city building department
Tucker	Contact city building department
Chamblee	Contact city building department
Doraville	Contact city building department

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

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 Cobb County, Georgia