Security Camera Permit Requirements in Erie, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Erie does not require a specific permit for most security camera installations. However, Erie has its own contractor licensing program that includes a low-voltage/life safety installer category. Contractors must be licensed by the City of Erie to perform work. Pennsylvania's two-party consent wiretap law strictly prohibits audio recording without consent from all parties.

When Is a Permit Required?

Most security camera installations in Erie do not require dedicated permits for the camera system itself. However, certain scenarios trigger permit requirements.

Permit Typically NOT Required

• Standalone security camera installations (wireless or wired)
• Low voltage wiring that does not penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Camera systems using existing electrical infrastructure
• Residential doorbell cameras and basic surveillance systems
• IP camera installations using PoE

Permit MAY Be Required

• Electrical work requiring new circuits or panel modifications
• Integration with fire alarm systems (fire alarm permit required)
• Structural penetrations for conduit runs
• Commercial projects involving significant electrical loads
• Camera poles or mounting structures requiring foundation work

Contact Erie's Code Enforcement Office at (814) 870-1313 to confirm requirements for your specific project.

Erie Contractor Licensing Requirements

Important: Erie has its own contractor licensing program that differs from many other Pennsylvania municipalities. Contractors must be licensed to work in the city.

Erie Licensing Requirements

Requirement	Details
License Required	Yes - for all contractors
Low-Voltage Category	Low-voltage/life safety installer category exists
Subcontractor License	Required even when working under general contractor
Work Restrictions	May only work in licensed category/subcategory

Key Rule: Except as otherwise specifically exempted, no person shall act in the capacity of a contractor or journeyman unless they possess a valid license issued by the City of Erie.

Erie Licensing Board

The City of Erie's licensing board includes one representative of low-voltage/life safety installers, ensuring that low voltage work is properly represented in the licensing process.

Pennsylvania State Requirements

• No state low voltage license: Pennsylvania does not require a statewide license, but Erie has local requirements
• UCC compliance: All installations must meet Uniform Construction Code standards
• Insurance: General liability ($300,000-$1,000,000) typically required
• Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees

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

Pennsylvania Wiretap Law: Critical Audio Requirements

Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state. This has major implications for security camera installations in Erie:

• Audio recording requires consent: ALL parties must consent to audio recording
• Video-only is safer: Disable audio recording on cameras in most scenarios
• Severe penalties: Violations are third-degree felonies with potential prison time
• Signs are not enough: Posted notices do not constitute consent for audio

Best Practice: Configure all security cameras with audio recording disabled unless you have documented consent from all parties who may be recorded.

Privacy and Placement Requirements

Pennsylvania law permits security cameras on private property with specific restrictions:

Legal Camera Placement

• Entrances and exits
• Parking lots and driveways
• Retail floors and lobbies
• Warehouse and storage areas
• Building exteriors

Prohibited Placement

• Restrooms and bathrooms
• Changing rooms and locker rooms
• Break rooms (areas with privacy expectation)
• Private offices (without notice)
• Areas pointed directly at neighbor's private property

Business Requirements

• Post conspicuous signage indicating surveillance is in use
• Notify employees of camera locations and recording policies
• Document footage storage and retention policies

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Erie Contractor License

Before performing work in Erie, ensure you have the appropriate contractor license from the City. Contact the Code Enforcement Office for license application requirements.

Step 2: Determine Permit Need

Contact Erie Code Enforcement to verify if your specific installation requires permits.

Step 3: Submit Application (If Required)

Submit permit applications to:

City of Erie Code Enforcement Office
City Hall, Room 407
Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 870-1313 or (814) 870-1473
Email: permits@erie.pa.us
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Step 4: Schedule Inspection

If electrical work or fire alarm integration is involved, schedule inspection after installation.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Security camera installation (no permit)	$0	Immediate
Erie contractor license	Contact Code Enforcement	Varies
Electrical permit (if required)	Contact for fees	3-5 business days
Fire alarm permit (if integrated)	Contact for fees	5-10 business days

Contact Code Enforcement at (814) 870-1313 for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Homeowners can install cameras on their own property without neighbor consent
• Cannot point cameras directly at neighbors' private areas
• Doorbell cameras and basic systems rarely need permits
• Professional installers still need Erie contractor license

Commercial Installations

• Must post visible signage indicating surveillance is in use
• Employee notification requirements under Pennsylvania law
• Licensed Erie contractor required
• May require coordination with building management
• Cannot place cameras in areas with reasonable privacy expectation

Pro Tips from the Field

Get Your Erie License First: Unlike many Pennsylvania cities, Erie requires contractor licensing. Don't start work without verifying your license status with the City.

Disable Audio Recording: Pennsylvania's two-party consent law makes audio recording extremely risky. Default to video-only on all installations.

Post Signage: For commercial installations, visible signage indicating video surveillance protects your client legally and serves as a deterrent.

Document Everything: Keep installation records including camera locations, wiring diagrams, and product specifications.

Verify Subcontractor Requirements: Even if working under a general contractor, subcontractors need their own Erie license.

Contact Information

City of Erie Code Enforcement Office
City Hall, Room 407
Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 870-1313 or (814) 870-1473
Email: permits@erie.pa.us
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Allentown Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Reading Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Erie Code Enforcement before beginning work.