Security Camera Permit Requirements in Denver, Colorado

Quick Answer: Denver does not require a specific permit for security camera installations. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license requirement, but Denver may require electrical permits for work involving building power systems. The City and County of Denver has its own contractor registration requirements for certain electrical work.

When Are Permits Required?

Security camera installations in Denver fall into these categories:

Generally No Permit Required

• Standalone security camera systems
• Low voltage wiring for cameras
• Network video recorders (NVR) and DVR systems
• IP camera installations on existing infrastructure
• Telecommunications and data work

Permits May Be Required

• Electrical permit - When connecting to building power systems
• Building permit - For structural modifications
• Commercial projects - May require contractor registration

Colorado State Licensing

No Statewide Low Voltage License

Colorado does not require a specific statewide low voltage contractor license for most low voltage work. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) State Electrical Board regulates electrical contractors only when work involves connection to building power systems.

What DORA Does NOT Regulate

• Telecommunications and data work
• Most low voltage security systems
• Audio/visual systems

When Electrical License IS Required

If your work involves connection to building power:

• Must be a licensed Electrical Contractor registered with Colorado
• Hold or employ a licensed master electrician
• Comply with Workers' Compensation laws
• Comply with Unemployment Compensation laws

Denver City Requirements

Community Planning and Development

Denver has specific contractor licensing requirements:

• Electrical certificates for access control and electrical signal work
• Minimum experience requirements
• Testing requirements for certain classifications

Contact Information

• Denver Community Planning and Development
• Address: 201 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80202
• Website: denvergov.org/CPD

State Electrical Board

• Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
• Phone: (303) 894-7800
• Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical

Colorado Security Camera Laws

All installations must comply with Colorado privacy laws:

Legal Requirements

• Private property allowed - Security cameras permitted on private property
• Privacy areas prohibited - No recording in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• One-party consent - At least one person must consent for audio recording
• Neighbor privacy - Do not point cameras at neighboring properties

Commercial Requirements

• Signage recommended notifying of surveillance
• Employee notification of monitoring

For complete licensing information, see our Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Security Camera Permit	None	No dedicated camera permit
Electrical Permit (if needed)	Varies	For power connection work
Permit Validity	1 year	From date of issue

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No state license required for low voltage
• Generally no permits for camera-only systems
• HOA approval may be required
• Consider weatherproofing for outdoor cameras

Commercial Projects

• Check Denver contractor registration requirements
• Electrical permit if connecting to building power
• Surveillance signage recommended
• May require fire alarm integration coordination

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check local requirements - Denver has specific rules beyond state
• Colorado weather - Outdoor cameras need cold weather ratings
• High altitude - Denver at 5,280 ft, consider equipment specs
• Power connection key - Determines if electrical license needed
• Document installation - Photos protect you and client
• Insurance important - Verify coverage for commercial work

Common Installation Scenarios

Scenario 1: Residential Home

4-8 camera system with NVR. No permit or license typically required for low voltage work.

Scenario 2: Small Business

Commercial surveillance system. Check Denver contractor registration. Electrical permit if new circuits needed.

Scenario 3: Large Commercial

Enterprise-level system. Coordinate with Denver CPD for contractor requirements. May need electrical contractor involvement.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Browse All Permit Guides

Summary

Security camera installations in Denver have minimal state-level requirements:

• No statewide low voltage license required
• No specific camera permit needed
• Electrical permit only when connecting to building power
• Denver has local contractor registration for some work
• Comply with Colorado privacy laws

Contact Denver Community Planning and Development for specific local requirements, or the Colorado State Electrical Board at (303) 894-7800 for questions about electrical licensing.