Security Camera Permit Requirements in Greenville County, South Carolina

Installing security cameras in unincorporated Greenville County, SC? Whether you're a low voltage contractor working on a commercial project or a property owner adding surveillance to your business, understanding local permit and licensing requirements is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about permits, alarm registration, and contractor licensing in Greenville County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for cameras alone. Security camera installations in unincorporated Greenville County typically do not require a standalone permit for the cameras themselves. However, if your installation involves electrical work beyond low-voltage wiring—such as adding new circuits—you will need an electrical permit from Greenville County Building Safety. If your system connects to alarm monitoring, you must register with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

When Is a Permit Required for Security Cameras?

While standalone camera installations usually don't require permits in Greenville County, certain situations do trigger permit requirements:

• New electrical circuits: Adding dedicated 110V circuits for camera power requires an electrical permit
• Structural modifications: Mounting cameras that require cutting into walls or running conduit may need a building permit
• Alarm monitoring integration: Systems connected to monitoring services require registration with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office
• POE systems with extensive wiring: Large-scale structured cabling projects may require permits depending on scope
• New construction: Cameras installed as part of new construction fall under the general building permit

What About Alarm System Registration?

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring or is integrated with an alarm system, you must register with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. This is governed by the Greenville County Security Alarm System Ordinance No. 3354, which has been enforced since November 1, 2000.

Why Registration Matters

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office responds to over 1,500 false alarms each month across the county's 795 square miles. Registration ensures:

• Current contact information on file for alarm responses
• Proper billing for false alarm fees
• Email notifications regarding alarm responses

How to Register

1. Download the Alarm Registration Form from the Sheriff's Office website
2. Complete all required fields including:
   • Alarmed location address
   • Responsible party information
   • Additional emergency contacts
   • Alarm company information
3. Include $10.00 registration fee (check or money order only)
4. Mail to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office

Contact: GCSO Alarm Billing

Do You Need a Contractor License to Install Security Cameras in South Carolina?

Yes, if you're operating as a security contractor. South Carolina requires security system installers to be licensed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This is separate from any local permit requirements.

SLED Security Business License Requirements

To legally install security systems in South Carolina, contractors must:

• Pay a $350 annual license fee to SLED
• Post a $10,000 surety bond
• Submit fingerprints and pass a background check
• Provide a certified training program or use approved training sources
• Designate a Primary Qualifying Party who is an owner, partner, officer, or management employee

For complete licensing requirements, see our guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

How Do You Apply for an Electrical Permit in Greenville County?

If your security camera installation requires electrical work:

1. Download the Greenville County Electrical Permit Application
2. Submit through the eTrakit online system or in person
3. Pay the permit fee (varies based on project value)
4. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing
5. Schedule inspections upon completion

Important: Permits become invalid after 6 months if work hasn't commenced or if no inspection has been requested.

Contact: Greenville County Building Safety | 864-467-7060 | permits@greenvillecounty.org

Fees and Timeline

Requirement	Fee	Timeline
Alarm Registration (GCSO)	$10 one-time	1-2 weeks
Electrical Permit (if needed)	Varies by project	6-8 weeks processing
SLED Business License	$350 annually	4-6 weeks
SLED Surety Bond	$10,000	Varies by insurer

Note: Starting July 1, 2025, Greenville County building permit fees increased by 20 percent.

Residential vs Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Homeowners installing their own cameras: No permit typically required for basic installations
• If hiring a contractor: Ensure they hold a valid SLED license
• Audio recording: South Carolina is a one-party consent state
• Privacy requirements: Cameras must not record areas where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, bedrooms, locker rooms)
• Outdoor cameras: Generally permitted across your property without restrictions

Commercial Projects

• SLED-licensed contractor requirement for most installations
• Potential electrical permits for extensive wiring or new circuits
• Alarm registration required if connected to monitoring
• Employee notification considerations for workplace surveillance

What Are the Legal Considerations for Security Cameras?

South Carolina law has specific privacy protections to be aware of:

• "Peeping Tom" statute: It is illegal to spy upon or invade the privacy of others through windows, doors, or similar means
• Reasonable expectation of privacy: Cameras cannot be placed where people reasonably expect privacy
• Audio recording: South Carolina is a one-party consent state for audio recording
• Public areas: Front yards, driveways, and property perimeters are generally acceptable for surveillance

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

• Confusing city and county jurisdictions: City of Greenville uses Greenville Police Department for alarm registration; unincorporated county uses Sheriff's Office
• Skipping SLED licensing: Operating as a security contractor without SLED license can result in fines
• Ignoring alarm registration: Unregistered systems may result in false alarm fees
• Not pulling electrical permits: If you're adding circuits, get the permit—inspectors do check
• Permit expiration: County permits expire after 6 months of inactivity

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Check whether the property is in City of Greenville or unincorporated Greenville County before starting work
• Document everything: Keep records of all permits, alarm registrations, and SLED documentation
• Use eTrakit: Greenville County's online portal speeds up permit submission
• Plan for processing time: County permits currently take 6-8 weeks—factor this into project timelines
• Provide email for GCSO: Including an email address when registering allows you to receive alarm response notifications

Official Resources and Contacts

• Greenville County Sheriff's Office (Alarm Registration): Alarm Billing Page | Registration Form (PDF)
• Greenville County Building Safety: 864-467-7060 | permits@greenvillecounty.org | Building Safety Permits
• Greenville County Code Enforcement: Code Enforcement
• SLED Regulatory Services: (803) 737-9000 | reglicense@sled.sc.gov | Private Security Licensing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and Building Safety before beginning work.