Security Camera Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Fulton County does not require specific permits for security camera installations. However, contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVA or LVU). Alarm systems connected to monitoring services require registration with the Fulton County Police Department within 5 business days of installation.

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras in Fulton County?

Security camera installations in unincorporated Fulton County generally do not require dedicated permits for the camera equipment itself. However, related electrical or structural work may trigger permit requirements.

Situations That May Require Permits

• New electrical circuits: Running dedicated power for camera systems may require electrical permits
• Structural modifications: Mounting poles, cutting through fire-rated walls, or roof penetrations
• Commercial construction: Security systems included as part of larger building projects
• Conduit installation: Running new conduit through building structures

Typically Permit-Exempt Work

• Standalone camera installations using existing power
• Wireless camera systems
• Surface-mounted cable runs in accessible areas
• Residential camera systems
• IP cameras using existing network infrastructure

Note: Fulton County includes multiple municipalities (Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Roswell, Alpharetta, and others). Each city may have different requirements. This guide covers unincorporated Fulton County. For city-specific requirements, contact your local building department.

Alarm Registration Requirements

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring or is integrated with an alarm system, Fulton County requires registration:

Fulton County Police Department Alarm Registration

• Timeline: Register within 5 business days of installation
• Applies to: All alarm systems connected to monitoring services
• False alarm fees: $50 fine for the 3rd and each subsequent false alarm per calendar year at the same premises

Contact the Fulton County Police Department for current registration procedures and forms.

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 43-14) requires all contractors performing low voltage work for compensation to hold a valid license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board.

License Types for Security Camera Work

License Type	Code	Scope	Best For
Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work including alarms, telecom, and general systems	Full-service security contractors
Alarm	LVA	Alarm systems, CCTV, and general low voltage work	Security system specialists
General	LVG	General low voltage excluding alarms	Basic camera installations

LVA License Requirements

The LVA (Low Voltage Alarm) license is the most common for security camera contractors:

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in alarm systems or specialty area
• Documentation: Employer affidavits and detailed work history
• References: 3 letters of reference (at least one from a licensed contractor)
• Examination: Pass the state exam with 70% or higher
• Application: Submit through the Georgia GOALS portal
• Fee: $30 application fee

For complete licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Georgia Security Camera Laws

Understanding Georgia privacy laws is essential for proper camera installation:

Legal Camera Placement

• Public areas: Cameras may monitor any area visible to the public
• Business premises: Driveways, parking lots, entrances, lobbies, and work areas are permitted
• Visibility requirement: Georgia law requires cameras to be in plain sight
• Employee monitoring: Legal with legitimate business purpose (security, productivity, legal protection)

Prohibited Camera Locations

• Privacy zones: Bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas, and similar private spaces
• Neighbor property: Cameras cannot be aimed to capture areas where others have reasonable privacy expectations
• Audio recording: Georgia requires one-party consent for audio recording

Workplace Camera Requirements

For commercial installations with employee monitoring:

• Provide explicit notice of camera presence and purpose
• Post clear signage indicating video surveillance
• Document legitimate business reasons for monitoring
• Avoid areas where employees have privacy expectations

Fulton County Building Permit Process

If your project requires permits for electrical or structural work, here is the Fulton County process:

Permit Application

Fulton County Public Works handles permits for unincorporated areas. Visit the Fulton County Permits and Plan Review page for application forms and requirements.

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical plans if new circuits required
• Contractor license verification
• Property owner authorization

Contact Information

Fulton County Public Works - Planning, Zoning and Permitting
Website: fultoncountyga.gov

Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Phone: (478) 207-1416

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Security Cameras

Residential camera installations in Fulton County are straightforward:

• Generally no permits required for camera equipment
• Contractors must hold valid Georgia low voltage license
• Register alarm systems connected to monitoring
• Cameras cannot capture neighbor private areas
• Audio recording requires consent considerations

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial projects may have additional requirements:

• Electrical permits for new dedicated circuits
• Fire marshal review for installations affecting fire-rated assemblies
• ADA compliance for any related construction
• Coordination with building management systems
• Employee notification requirements
• Data retention and access policies

Installation Best Practices

Experienced Georgia contractors recommend these practices for Fulton County projects:

• Document everything: Photograph installations and keep records of all cable runs
• Use proper mounting: Weather-rated enclosures for outdoor cameras
• Plan cable routes: Minimize visible cables and protect from physical damage
• Label all connections: Clear labeling simplifies future maintenance
• Test thoroughly: Verify all camera views and recording functionality before leaving
• Provide training: Ensure customers know how to access and operate their system
• Consider lighting: IR illumination or supplemental lighting for night coverage
• Secure the network: Change default passwords and use encrypted connections for IP cameras

Municipal Considerations

Fulton County contains several incorporated cities, each with potential variations:

Municipality	Notes
Atlanta	Has specific requirements - see Atlanta permit guide
Sandy Springs	Contact city building department
Roswell	Contact city building department
Johns Creek	Contact city building department
Alpharetta	Contact city building department
Milton	Contact city building department
South Fulton	Separate permitting through City of South Fulton

Always verify which jurisdiction covers your project location before beginning work.

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Confirm whether the address is in unincorporated Fulton County or a municipality
• Get it in writing: Document scope of work and camera placement with customers
• Consider future expansion: Run extra conduit or cable for potential system growth
• Weather protection: Georgia humidity and storms require proper outdoor ratings
• Power backup: Recommend UPS systems for critical installations
• Remote access setup: Configure secure remote viewing before leaving the site

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Augusta, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia