Security Camera Permit Requirements in Douglas County, Kansas

Installing security cameras in Douglas County requires understanding both City of Lawrence requirements and county regulations. This guide covers everything low-voltage contractors need to know about surveillance system installations in the Lawrence metropolitan area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone cameras. Security camera installations operating on low voltage (under 50V) typically do not require electrical permits in Douglas County or Lawrence. However, alarm businesses operating in Lawrence must obtain an Alarm Business License from the City Clerk's office. Electrical permits may be required for dedicated power circuits.

What Is Considered Security Camera Work?

Security camera installations in Douglas County include:

• IP camera systems with PoE (Power over Ethernet)
• Analog CCTV with coaxial cabling
• Wireless security camera systems
• Video doorbells and entrance cameras
• DVR and NVR recording systems
• Commercial surveillance with remote monitoring
• License plate recognition (LPR) cameras

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras?

Douglas County and the City of Lawrence follow standard building code requirements:

Permits Generally Required:

• Electrical circuits above 50 volts for equipment power
• Dedicated 120V outlets for DVR/NVR systems
• Conduit installations through structural elements
• Work involving fire-rated wall penetrations
• Pole-mounted cameras requiring foundation work

Generally Exempt (Low-Voltage):

• PoE camera installations (under 50V)
• Wireless camera systems
• Battery-powered cameras
• Surface-mounted equipment
• Cat5e/Cat6 cable runs for IP cameras
• Coaxial cable for analog systems

What Are the Alarm Business Licensing Requirements?

If your security camera business also provides alarm services in Lawrence, you must obtain an Alarm Business License:

License Requirements

• Submit complete application to City Clerk's office
• Pay applicable license fee
• Application reviewed by Lawrence Police Department
• License issued upon Police Department approval
• Must comply with Chapter 13 Section 3 of Lawrence City Code

Contractor Licensing

The City of Lawrence requires certain contractors to obtain a license:

• Trade contractors (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) must be licensed
• Employees must be certified as master or journeyman level
• Electrical Contractor license: $150-200 first year, $50-75 renewal
• Journeyman Electrician: $20 original + $10 exam, $10 renewal

For complete information on Kansas licensing, see our Kansas Low-Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Permits?

City of Lawrence Process

1. Obtain Contractor License: If required for your scope of work
2. Download Application: From Lawrence Planning & Development forms page
3. Complete Forms: Fill out appropriate permit application
4. Submit Plans: For commercial projects
5. Pay Fees: Based on project valuation
6. Schedule Inspections: Upon completion

Contact Information

• City of Lawrence Development Services: (785) 832-7700
• Email: buildinginspections@lawrenceks.gov
• Website: Lawrence Contractor Licensing
• Forms: Applications and Forms

Douglas County (Unincorporated Areas)

• Zoning & Codes: Building Permit Requirements (PDF)
• Electrical Permit: Electrical Permit Application

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Item	Fee	Timeline
Alarm Business License	Contact City Clerk	2-4 weeks (Police review)
Electrical Contractor License	$150-200 first year	Upon approval
Electrical permit (when required)	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	24-48 hours notice

Residential vs. Commercial Security Cameras

Residential Projects

• Homeowner-installed cameras do not require licensing
• Professional installations typically permit-exempt if low-voltage only
• Video doorbells and wireless cameras need no permit
• Privacy considerations apply for areas with reasonable privacy expectation

Commercial Projects

• Alarm Business License may be required if providing monitoring
• Contractor licensing required in City of Lawrence
• May require plan review for larger installations
• Dedicated power circuits need electrical permit
• Employee notification requirements may apply

Kansas Privacy Laws for Security Cameras

Kansas applies the "reasonable expectation of privacy" principle:

• Cameras may not record in areas where privacy is expected (bathrooms, changing rooms)
• Hidden cameras require consent in private spaces
• Audio recording requires one-party consent (Kansas is a one-party consent state)
• Workplace cameras should be disclosed to employees
• Cameras pointing at neighboring properties may create liability

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Check Jurisdiction: Lawrence city limits vs. unincorporated Douglas County have different requirements
• Alarm License First: If offering monitoring services, get your Alarm Business License before bidding work
• Contact Development Services: The licensing guide is being updated—call (785) 832-7700 for current requirements
• PoE Advantage: PoE camera systems avoid most electrical permit requirements
• Document Everything: Keep copies of all licenses and permits on file
• University of Kansas: Projects on KU campus may have additional requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Additional Resources

• City of Lawrence Contractor Licensing
• Lawrence Applications and Forms
• Douglas County Licenses and Permits
• Douglas County Electrical Permit Application