Security Camera Permit Requirements in Henrico County, Virginia

Quick Answer: Henrico County requires free alarm registration through the Police Division Administrative Services Bureau for all monitored security systems. The first false alarm is free, but subsequent false alarms within 180 days incur fees, and response terminates after the seventh false alarm.

When Are Permits Required?

Understanding when permits apply in Henrico County:

Permits Generally Required:

• Commercial security camera installations with new electrical circuits
• Systems requiring structural modifications or conduit installation
• Monitored alarm systems connected to central stations
• Installations in buildings undergoing renovation with active permits

Permits Typically Not Required:

• Residential standalone camera systems without monitoring
• Wireless camera installations using existing power outlets
• Camera replacements on existing infrastructure
• Battery-powered or solar-powered camera systems

Alarm Registration Requirements

Henrico County Code requires all business and residential security alarms be registered with the Henrico County Police Division Administrative Services Bureau.

Registration Benefits:

• Provides Police with contact information for emergencies
• Ensures proper response to alarm activations
• Required for police response to alarm calls

Registration Fees:

Service	Fee
Initial Registration	FREE
Renewal	FREE
First False Alarm	FREE (starts 180-day period)
Reinstatement (after 7th alarm)	$100

How to Register:

• Residential: Complete online Resident form at henrico.gov
• Commercial: Complete online Commercial form
• Paper Form: Submit Security Alarm Information Sheet
• Mail to: P.O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775

False Alarm Policy

Henrico County has a structured false alarm program:

Fee Structure:

• 1st false alarm: Free - establishes 180-day monitoring period
• 2nd-6th false alarms: Billed monthly (contact Police for current rates)
• 7th false alarm: Police response TERMINATED

Reinstatement After Termination:

• Pay $100 reinstatement fee
• Pay any outstanding balance
• Submit letter confirming alarm inspection by licensed company
• Prove system is in proper working order

Non-Payment Consequences:

• Termination of police response to alarm calls
• Additional $100 reinstatement fee required
• Outstanding balance must be paid before reinstatement

Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements

Virginia requires dual licensing for security contractors working in Henrico County:

DCJS Electronic Security License

The Virginia DCJS regulates electronic security businesses:

• Electronic Security Business License required
• Compliance agent with proper certification
• Background checks for all employees
• Technician registration and training

DPOR Contractor License

The Virginia DPOR requires contractor licensing:

License Class	Experience	Contract Limit
Class A	5 years	Unlimited
Class B	3 years	$120,000
Class C	2 years	$10,000

For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.

Permit Application Process

For installations requiring permits in Henrico County:

Step 1: Submit Permit Application

• Access Henrico County Building Inspections portal
• Select electrical permit type
• Upload site plans showing camera locations
• Include contractor license documentation

Step 2: Register Alarm System

• Complete registration before system activation
• Use online forms for residential or commercial
• Provide monitoring company information

Contact Information:

Henrico County Building Inspections
4301 East Parham Road
Henrico, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 501-4360

Police Division - Alarm Registration
P.O. Box 90775
Henrico, VA 23273-0775

Permit Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit (basic)	$75-$125	3-5 business days
Commercial Permit	Based on project value	5-10 business days
Alarm Registration	FREE	Same day online
Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule after installation

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Generally exempt from building permits for standalone cameras
• Free alarm registration required for monitored systems
• Must comply with HOA restrictions if applicable
• One free false alarm before fees begin
• DCJS-licensed contractor required for professional installation

Commercial Installations

• Building permit typically required for new electrical work
• Free alarm registration required
• Same false alarm policy as residential
• Fire marshal review may be required for certain occupancies
• Coordinate with tenant improvement permits

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Register alarms immediately. Henrico County registration is free - complete it during installation. Unregistered alarms may not receive police response.

Provide thorough customer training. The 180-day false alarm monitoring period starts with the first false alarm. Proper training prevents escalating fees and potential response termination.

Keep inspection documentation. If a customer reaches the 7th false alarm, reinstatement requires a letter from a licensed alarm company certifying the system works properly. Having documentation ready speeds reinstatement.

Bill payments are critical. Non-payment leads to response termination. Ensure customers understand the billing process and consequences of unpaid false alarm fees.

Use the online system. Henrico County offers online registration for both residential and commercial accounts. The online process is faster than paper forms.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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