Security Camera Permit Requirements in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Quick Answer: Standard security camera installations in Grand Rapids, Michigan typically do not require permits for the cameras themselves. However, electrical work involving new circuits may require electrical permits. Michigan law specifically exempts security alarm systems and business/home monitoring systems from municipal permit requirements. Grand Rapids offers a voluntary security camera registration program to assist law enforcement.

Does Grand Rapids Require Permits for Security Cameras?

In most cases, security camera installation in Grand Rapids does not require specific permits for the cameras. However, project scope matters:

Permits may be required for:

• Electrical work adding new circuits or significant modifications
• Installations in historic districts with exterior modifications
• Commercial projects with substantial electrical scope
• Systems integrated with fire alarm panels

Permits generally not required for:

• Standard security camera installations
• Business monitoring systems (under 50 volts per MCL 339.5733)
• Home monitoring systems
• Security alarm system installations
• Wireless/battery-powered cameras

Michigan Statutory Exemption

Michigan law (MCL 339.5733) specifically prohibits municipalities from requiring permits for:

• Installing, maintaining, replacing, or servicing electrical wiring, equipment, or devices associated with business monitoring systems
• Installing, maintaining, replacing, or servicing home monitoring systems
• Installing, maintaining, replacing, or servicing security alarm systems

A "business monitoring system" is defined as a device or assembly of equipment under 50 volts that allows remote monitoring through audio, video, or sensor detection.

Grand Rapids Security Camera Registration Program

Grand Rapids offers a voluntary security camera registration program:

• Purpose: Help law enforcement collect video evidence if a crime occurs nearby
• Participation: Voluntary for residents and business owners
• Benefits: Assists police investigations, may deter crime in registered areas
• Registration: Register your camera system

This program is separate from permit requirements and is purely voluntary.

Grand Rapids Development Center Contact

Development Center - Permits
1120 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 456-3000
Website: grandrapidsmi.gov/permits
Online Permits: Grand Rapids Accela Portal

Michigan Contractor Licensing

Michigan does not require a general low-voltage contractor license. However, specific systems have licensing requirements through LARA:

Security Alarm System Contractor License

Required for selling, installing, or servicing alarm systems:

• Experience: 3 years as contractor, or 4 years as employee
• Examination: Required
• Application: Through LARA

Fire Alarm Specialty Technician

Required if integrating with fire alarm systems:

• NICET Level II certification: Required
• Age: At least 20 years old
• Examination: LARA FAST exam

Electrical Contractor License

Required for electrical work involving new circuits:

• Must be licensed by state or municipality
• Homeowners can pull permits for owner-occupied single-family homes

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

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Electrical Permit	$50-150	If electrical work involved
Camera Registration	Free	Voluntary program
LARA Security License	$200	Contractor application

Timeline: When electrical permits are required, approval typically takes 3-7 business days through the Grand Rapids Accela portal.

Michigan Surveillance and Recording Laws

Michigan has specific laws governing surveillance:

Video Recording

• Public areas: Video recording permitted without consent
• Private property: Recording your own property is permitted
• Privacy restrictions: Cannot record areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Prohibited: Bathrooms, locker rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms
• Signage: Recommended for commercial installations

Audio Recording

Michigan is a one-party consent state:

• At least one party must consent to audio recording
• Security cameras with audio have additional considerations
• Recommendation: Post audio recording notices or disable audio

Historic District Considerations

Grand Rapids has several historic districts with potential restrictions:

• Heritage Hill: Largest urban historic district in Michigan
• Wealthy Street: Historic commercial district
• Exterior modifications: May require Historic Preservation Commission review
• Recommendation: Verify requirements before exterior camera installation

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Security Cameras

• Generally no permit required under MCL 339.5733 exemption
• Wireless/battery systems: No electrical permit needed
• New electrical circuits: May need electrical permit
• HOA requirements: Check with association for exterior rules

Commercial Security Cameras

• Business monitoring systems exempt from permit requirements per state law
• Consider voluntary camera registration with GRPD
• Alarm integration: Security alarm contractor license required
• Fire system integration: FAST license required

Pro Tips from Contractors

1. Know the State Exemption: MCL 339.5733 exempts security cameras and monitoring systems from municipal permit requirements. Understand what qualifies under this exemption.

2. Register with GRPD: Encourage commercial clients to participate in the voluntary camera registration program. It builds community goodwill and assists law enforcement.

3. Historic District Check: Heritage Hill and other historic areas may have restrictions on exterior modifications. Verify before planning visible camera installations.

4. Document Camera Angles: Before installation, document that cameras only view the client's property and public areas to avoid neighbor disputes.

5. Audio Considerations: While Michigan is one-party consent, posting audio recording notices is best practice for commercial installations.

6. Use Accela Portal: When permits are needed, Grand Rapids uses the Accela online permitting system for faster processing.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Michigan and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Guides

• Michigan Low Voltage License Requirements
• Detroit Security Camera Permits
• All Permit Guides