Security Camera Permit Requirements in Horry County, South Carolina

Installing security cameras and video surveillance systems in Horry County requires understanding local permit processes and South Carolina's contractor licensing rules. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know before starting a surveillance installation project in the Myrtle Beach area and unincorporated Horry County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone low voltage camera systems. Security camera installations operating at low voltage (under 50 volts) typically don't require electrical permits in Horry County. Minor electrical work including replacement of equipment and connection of approved portable devices is explicitly exempt. However, permits may be required when installations involve electrical work above 50 volts or are part of larger construction projects.

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

South Carolina has a notable exemption that benefits security camera installers. Under the SC Alarm Systems Business Act, camera systems, card access systems, and walk-through alarm systems are specifically exempt from burglar alarm licensing requirements.

This means standalone CCTV and IP camera installations can be performed without an alarm contractor license. However, if your security camera system is integrated with a monitored burglar alarm system, different requirements may apply.

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

When Does Horry County Require Permits?

According to Horry County Code Enforcement, permits are required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, or installation of electrical systems. However, specific exemptions apply:

Work That Is Exempt (No Permit Required)

• Minor repair work including replacement of lamps
• Connection of approved portable electrical equipment to permanently installed receptacles
• Replacement of minor parts that don't alter equipment approval
• Temporary systems for testing/servicing electrical equipment
• Radio and television transmission equipment (though power supply wiring still applies)

Scenarios That May Require a Permit

• New electrical circuits: Running new power for camera systems
• New construction: Camera rough-in as part of building permits
• Commercial tenant improvements: Surveillance as part of larger build-out
• Structural modifications: Significant building alterations for mounting
• Projects over $5,000: Commercial projects trigger contractor licensing

How Do I Apply for a Permit in Horry County?

If your project requires a permit, Horry County offers online permitting:

1. Determine permit type: Building, electrical, or trade permit as applicable
2. Submit online: Through Horry County Building Code Enforcement website
3. Or in person: At the Code Enforcement office
4. Pay fees: Based on project scope
5. Schedule inspections: As work progresses

Contact Information

Horry County Code Enforcement

• Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1D09, Conway, SC 29526
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
• Website: Horry County Code Enforcement
• Permit Requirements: Permit Requirements Page
• Forms: Code Enforcement Forms

City of Myrtle Beach Construction Services

• Phone: (843) 918-1111
• Email: permittech@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
• Fax: (843) 918-1158
• Website: Myrtle Beach Construction Services

City of Myrtle Beach Permit Process

For projects within Myrtle Beach city limits, the Construction Services Department handles permits:

Submitting Applications

• Email electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical trade permits to permittech@cityofmyrtlebeach.com
• Fax applications to (843) 918-1158
• Forms available in Documents Center under "Permits, Construction Services Department & Floodplain Documents"

Scheduling Inspections

• Call (843) 918-1111 to schedule
• Morning inspection: Call by 4:00 PM the day before
• Afternoon inspection: Call by 9:00 AM the morning of

Key Contacts

• Emily Hardee: Permit Services Supervisor - (843) 918-1163
• Amy Carter: Residential Permits/Plans - (843) 918-1164
• Colleen Hajnal: Commercial Permits/Plans - (843) 918-1195

What Are the Fees?

Horry County and Myrtle Beach charge fees based on project scope:

Permit Type	Typical Fee Range	Notes
Electrical Trade Permit	$50 - $150	Basic installations
Commercial Electrical	Based on valuation	Percentage of project cost
Plan Review	Additional fee	Commercial projects

Contact the respective permit office for current fee schedules.

South Carolina Contractor Licensing

South Carolina's licensing structure includes exemptions for low voltage work:

Key Licensing Points

• Camera system exemption: Standalone cameras exempt from alarm licensing
• 50-volt exemption: Work at or below 50 volts exempt from electrical licensing
• Commercial threshold: Projects over $5,000 require licensed contractor
• Residential threshold: Projects over $200 require licensing

South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board

• Address: 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: (803) 896-4686
• Email: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov
• Website: SC Contractors' Licensing Board

Residential vs Commercial Security Cameras

Residential Installations

For home security cameras in Horry County:

• Standalone camera systems typically don't require permits
• Homeowners can install their own camera systems
• If hiring a contractor for projects over $200, verify licensing
• Follow South Carolina privacy laws for camera placement
• Audio recording requires one-party consent under federal law

Commercial Installations

For business security camera projects:

• May require permits if part of larger construction scope
• Projects over $5,000 require licensed contractors
• Coordinate with landlord/property management for tenant spaces
• Consider coastal environmental factors (humidity, salt air)
• Plan review may be required for large installations

South Carolina Security Camera Privacy Laws

When installing security cameras in Horry County, follow these legal requirements:

Legal Camera Placement

• Public areas: Recording permitted where no reasonable expectation of privacy
• Your property: Recording on your own property is allowed
• With consent: Recording with property owner consent is permitted

Prohibited Placement

• Private spaces: Bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms strictly prohibited
• Peeping Tom law: SC prohibits "peeping through windows, doors or other like places" for spying on others
• Audio recording: Recording conversations without consent can be a felony

Pro Tips for Horry County Projects

1. Verify jurisdiction: Determine if your project is in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, or unincorporated Horry County - each has different permitting
2. Coastal considerations: Use cameras rated for humidity and salt air exposure
3. Storm readiness: Consider hurricane-rated mounting and weatherproofing
4. Document everything: Keep installation records even when permits aren't required
5. Contact before starting: Call the permit office to confirm requirements for your specific scope
6. Note exemptions don't override codes: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable codes

Understanding Jurisdictions in Horry County

Horry County includes multiple municipalities with separate requirements:

• Horry County (unincorporated): Code Enforcement in Conway
• City of Myrtle Beach: Construction Services Department
• North Myrtle Beach: Separate Building Department
• City of Conway: Separate permitting authority
• Surfside Beach: Separate permitting

Verify which jurisdiction applies to your project address before starting work.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Horry County Code Enforcement or City of Myrtle Beach Construction Services before starting work.