Security Camera Permit Requirements in El Paso County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado generally do not require permits for the camera equipment itself. However, alarm systems connected to monitoring services require registration with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license, and surveillance systems operating under 50 volts are typically exempt from electrical permitting requirements.

When Are Permits Required?

El Paso County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work. Here's when you do and don't need permits:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Standalone security camera systems (IP or analog)
• Video surveillance without alarm monitoring
• DVR/NVR recording systems
• PoE camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• Cloud-connected cameras without alarm dispatch

Registration or Permits MAY Be Required:

• Alarm systems connected to monitoring with police dispatch
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits (120V+)
• Installations on historic properties
• Camera poles or structures requiring building permits
• Work in county rights-of-way

Alarm System Registration

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring with dispatch capabilities, registration is required:

• Registration Authority: El Paso County Sheriff's Office
• Registration Fee: Approximately $24
• Purpose: Reduces false alarm responses and associated costs
• Renewal: Check with Sheriff's Office for renewal requirements

Contact Information

El Paso County Sheriff's Office
27 E. Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 520-7100

Note: For properties within Colorado Springs city limits, alarm permits are handled through the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Colorado Video Surveillance Laws

When installing security cameras in El Paso County, contractors and property owners should understand Colorado's surveillance laws:

Legal Requirements:

• Private Property: Security cameras are permitted on private property
• Privacy Expectations: Recording prohibited in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, changing rooms, bedrooms)
• Audio Recording: Colorado is a one-party consent state for audio - at least one party must consent
• Notification: No legal requirement to post camera notices, but signage is recommended

Best Practices:

• Post visible signage indicating surveillance in use
• Avoid recording neighboring properties without consent
• Position cameras to avoid capturing public sidewalks excessively
• Disable audio recording if not needed to avoid consent issues

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Colorado does not have a statewide low voltage contractor license. For work in unincorporated El Paso County:

• State License: Not required for low voltage work under 50V
• Business License: El Paso County business license may be required
• Insurance: General liability and workers' compensation recommended
• Alarm Company License: Required for companies providing monitored alarm services

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

Unincorporated vs. Municipal Areas

El Paso County includes both unincorporated areas and several municipalities. Requirements differ:

Unincorporated El Paso County

• Governed by county regulations
• Sheriff's Office handles alarm registrations
• County Planning Department for building-related permits
• Generally fewer permit requirements

Colorado Springs (within El Paso County)

• City-specific alarm permit requirements
• Police Department handles alarm registrations ($24 fee)
• Additional alarm company licensing requirements
• See our Colorado Springs Security Camera Permit Guide

Building Permit Considerations

While camera equipment doesn't typically require permits, related work may:

Work Type	Permit Required?	Contact
Camera pole installation	Possibly	County Planning
Exterior conduit runs	Check with county	Building Department
New electrical circuits	Yes	Building Department
Roof penetrations	Yes	Building Department
Low voltage cabling only	No	N/A

El Paso County Planning Contact

Planning and Community Development
2880 International Circle, Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 520-6300

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No permits typically required for camera systems
• Register alarm features if using monitoring service
• HOA approval may be required in some developments
• Consider wildlife and rural property camera needs

Commercial Projects

• May require plan review for larger installations
• ADA considerations for camera placement
• Employee notification requirements may apply
• Data retention policies for recorded footage

Special Considerations for El Paso County

El Paso County has unique characteristics affecting security installations:

• Rural Properties: Large acreage may require wireless or solar-powered cameras
• Wildlife: Consider camera placement to avoid false triggers from animals
• Weather: High altitude and temperature extremes require weather-rated equipment
• Military Installations: Fort Carson and other facilities have restricted photography zones
• HOAs: Many communities have specific exterior modification rules

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Confirm if property is in unincorporated county or a municipality
• Check HOA Rules: Many El Paso County neighborhoods have architectural review requirements
• Plan for Weather: Use cameras rated for -30°F to 120°F temperature ranges
• Consider Solar: Remote properties may benefit from solar-powered camera solutions
• Register Alarms Early: Complete alarm registration before system activation
• Document Installation: Provide clients with system documentation and warranty info

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Colorado Springs Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Denver Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• El Paso County Official Website
• El Paso County Land Development Code
• Colorado Springs Alarm Company License