Security Camera Permit Requirements in Germantown, Maryland

Installing security cameras in Germantown, Maryland (Montgomery County) requires understanding permit requirements and contractor licensing. This guide covers what contractors and property owners need to know about low voltage permits, licensing, and the county's unique security camera rebate program.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for Security Cameras in Germantown?

Permits may be required for low voltage work. Montgomery County requires low voltage electrical permits for security camera installations that involve wiring. The good news: a contractor license is not required to apply for a low voltage permit. However, contractors providing security systems services must still hold a Maryland State Police Security Systems Agency License.

Montgomery County Low Voltage Permit

Montgomery County has a specific Low Voltage Electrical Permit process for systems operating at 50 volts or less, which includes security camera installations.

What's Covered

Low voltage electrical systems include:

• Security camera systems and CCTV
• Fire alarm systems wiring
• Cable TV systems
• Telephone systems
• Audio/video systems
• Computer network wiring
• All systems operating at 50 volts or less

Key Requirements

• No license required to apply - Unlike some jurisdictions, Montgomery County does not require a contractor license to apply for a low voltage permit
• Online application required - Must apply through DPS ePermits system
• Permit must be posted - Conspicuously displayed at work location with approved plans available
• Inspections required - Schedule through eServices or call 311 (240-777-0311)

How to Apply for a Low Voltage Permit

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Important: The incorporated City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg have their own permit offices. Germantown is unincorporated and falls under Montgomery County jurisdiction. Verify your property using the SDAT Real Property Data Search.

Step 2: Apply Online

Submit through DPS ePermits:

• For low voltage only work, leave "Application # of Parent Permit" blank
• Manually enter property address in "Location of Work" fields
• For commercial low voltage, enter address in description field (not address fields)
• Project will always be for an EXISTING structure

Step 3: Pay Fees

Total fee = processing fee + cost of items/work. See the fee schedule for specific amounts.

Step 4: Post Permit and Build

• Post permit conspicuously at job site
• Keep approved plans available for review
• Construct per approved plans and comments

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

• Online via DPS eServices
• By phone: Montgomery County 311 (240-777-0311)

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Electrical & Mechanical Inquiries
Phone: 240-777-0311 (MC311)
Website: montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS

Maryland State Police Licensing

While Montgomery County doesn't require a license to pull low voltage permits, Maryland State Police requires a Security Systems Agency License for companies providing security systems services.

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	18 years old
Background Check	Livescan fingerprints within 30 days
Insurance	$50,000 minimum liability
Application Fee	$100-$130
Processing Time	~90 days
License Duration	3 years

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

Montgomery County Security Camera Rebate Program

Montgomery County offers a unique Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program that provides rebates for security camera purchases.

Program Details

• Eligibility: All addresses in Montgomery County (including Germantown)
• Rebate amount: Up to $250 per camera
• Limits: 1 camera per residence, up to 5 cameras per business/nonprofit
• Requirements: Must register cameras with MCPD (police don't have live access)

Technical Requirements

• Must meet minimum technical and video specifications
• Must retain video footage for at least 7 days
• Must be installed on exterior of building
• Must be weatherproof

How to Participate

1. Purchase and install security cameras
2. Register cameras with MCPD online
3. Apply for reimbursement

Contact: pol.camera.rebate@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-773-6120

Maryland Video Surveillance Laws

Video Recording

• Legal on your property: You can use surveillance video at your home, porch, lawn without consent
• Privacy limits: Illegal to use hidden cameras where people expect privacy (bathrooms, dressing rooms)

Audio Recording - CRITICAL

Maryland is a two-party consent state. For audio recording:

• All parties must know recording is taking place
• People must be clearly told audio recording is happening
• Consider disabling audio or posting clear signage

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount
Low Voltage Permit	Processing fee + work items
MD State Police License	$100-$130
Camera Rebate (if eligible)	Up to $250/camera

Timeline:

• Permit review: Varies by project
• Inspection scheduling: Via 311
• State Police license: ~90 days

Residential vs Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• MHIC license required for contractors on residential properties
• Eligible for 1 camera rebate through county program
• Two-party consent for audio recording applies
• Common installations: doorbell cameras, exterior surveillance, garage monitoring

Commercial Projects

• Eligible for up to 5 camera rebates
• May require more extensive documentation
• Employee notification for workplace surveillance
• Common installations: retail security, parking lot cameras, access point monitoring

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first - Rockville and Gaithersburg have separate permit offices; confirm property is in unincorporated Montgomery County
• Apply online only - Paper applications not accepted; use DPS ePermits system
• Register for rebate program - Help customers get up to $250 back per camera
• Disable audio or post signs - Maryland's two-party consent makes audio risky
• Use weatherproof equipment - Required for rebate program and good practice
• 7-day retention minimum - Configure systems to meet rebate program requirements
• Keep State Police license current - Required even though county doesn't require license for permit

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Maryland Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Columbia, MD Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Baltimore, MD Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with Montgomery County DPS before beginning work.