Security Camera Permit Requirements in Erie County, New York

Quick Answer: Erie County does not require a specific permit for property owners to install security cameras. However, contractors who install CCTV systems for security monitoring purposes must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License from the Department of State. The Buffalo Police Department offers a voluntary SafeCam registration program to help coordinate with law enforcement.

Understanding Erie County's Requirements

Erie County, which includes Buffalo and surrounding municipalities like Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, and Amherst, follows New York State regulations for security camera installations. While there's no county-specific permit for cameras themselves, licensing requirements apply to contractors, and local building permits may be needed for associated electrical or structural work.

When Permits Are Required

Permits may be required in Erie County for security camera installations when:

• Electrical work is involved - New circuits, conduit runs, or panel modifications require electrical permits
• Structural modifications - Pole mounting, wall penetrations, or roof-mounted equipment may need building permits
• Commercial construction - New commercial buildings include low voltage permits in the overall building permit
• Historic districts - Exterior cameras in Buffalo's historic preservation districts may require design review

When Permits Are Not Required

Most security camera installations in Erie County are permit-exempt:

• Residential camera systems with existing electrical infrastructure
• Wireless camera installations with no structural mounting
• Indoor commercial cameras using existing power and network
• Simple replacements of existing camera equipment

New York State Contractor Licensing

The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) requires licensing for contractors who install security camera systems. This is the most important requirement for Erie County CCTV work.

Who Needs a License

According to NYSDOS regulations, a license is required if you install, maintain, or service CCTV systems used for:

• Detection or monitoring of intrusion or break-in
• Theft detection and monitoring
• Movement detection
• Security monitoring purposes

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved coursework (four 15-hour modules + one 21-hour module)
Experience	Minimum 2 years (3,500 hours) in security/fire alarm installation
Examination	State licensing exam administered by NYSDOS
Application fee	$185 (after exam) or $200 (without exam)
Fingerprinting	Background check through Division of Criminal Justice Services
Age requirement	Must be 18 years or older

License Exemptions

A license is NOT required for:

• Property owners installing cameras on their own property
• Employees installing systems for their employer's property
• Systems installed in motor vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft
• CCTV systems used purely for non-security purposes (production monitoring, quality control)

For complete state licensing details, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Buffalo SafeCam Program

The Buffalo SafeCam program is a voluntary camera registration initiative by the Buffalo Police Department:

• Purpose: Helps police identify cameras that may have captured evidence of crimes
• Cost: Free registration
• Privacy: Contact information is confidential
• Process: Register online, police verify camera locations, contact you only for criminal investigations

This is voluntary—there's no requirement to register cameras, but it aids community safety efforts.

Municipality-Specific Requirements

Erie County includes numerous municipalities, each with their own building departments:

Municipality	Building Department Contact	Phone
City of Buffalo	Permits & Inspection Services	(716) 851-4944
Town of Cheektowaga	Building Department	(716) 686-3469
Town of Amherst	Building Department	(716) 631-7050
Town of Tonawanda	Building Department	(716) 877-8805
City of Lackawanna	Building Inspector	(716) 827-6464

New York State Surveillance Laws

All security camera installations in Erie County must comply with New York State surveillance laws:

Permitted Uses

• Security monitoring with visible notice posted
• Cameras that are immediately apparent and visible
• Monitoring of business premises for security purposes
• Residential exterior cameras on your own property

Prohibited Uses

• Recording in areas with expected privacy (bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas)
• Recording neighbors' backyards (Backyard Surveillance Law, 2017)
• Secret recording without legitimate security purpose
• Audio recording without consent (New York is a one-party consent state)

Penalties: Unlawful surveillance is a Class E felony in New York, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and $5,000 fine.

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
Security camera permit	Not required for cameras alone	N/A
Electrical permit (if needed)	$50-$150	1-5 business days
NYS installer license application	$185-$200	4-8 weeks processing
Buffalo SafeCam registration	Free	Immediate
81-hour license course	$800-$1,500	2-4 weeks

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

For homeowners in Erie County:

• No permit required for typical camera installations
• Self-installation is legal on your own property
• Consider Buffalo SafeCam registration for added security coordination
• Follow New York privacy laws regarding neighbor visibility
• Electrical permits needed only for new circuit installation

Commercial Projects

For businesses and commercial properties:

• Must use NYS-licensed contractor for security system installation
• Post visible notice of video surveillance
• Electrical permits may be required for new power runs
• Healthcare and education facilities have additional compliance requirements
• Consider integration with access control (requires same license)

Pro Tips from Erie County Contractors

• Verify contractor licensing - Check the NYSDOS license lookup before hiring any security installer
• Document camera positions - Take photos showing camera angles avoid privacy-related disputes later
• Consider harsh weather - Erie County's lake-effect snow and cold requires cameras rated for extreme conditions
• Plan for power outages - UPS backup systems are essential given Western NY weather patterns
• Register with SafeCam - Free program that benefits both you and the community
• Get it in writing - Ensure your installer provides documentation of proper licensing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Buffalo Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Rochester Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Syracuse Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current regulations with NYSDOS and your local building department before starting work.