Security Camera Permit Requirements in Jefferson County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Jefferson County, Colorado generally do not require permits for the camera equipment itself. However, alarm systems connected to monitoring services may require registration depending on your location within the county. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license, and surveillance systems under 50 volts are typically exempt from electrical permitting.

When Are Permits Required?

Jefferson County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Standalone security camera systems
• Video surveillance without alarm monitoring
• DVR/NVR recording systems
• PoE camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• Cloud-connected cameras without alarm dispatch

Registration or Permits MAY Be Required:

• Alarm systems with police/fire dispatch monitoring
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits (120V+)
• Camera poles requiring structural permits
• Work in county rights-of-way

Alarm Registration by Area

Jefferson County contains multiple municipalities with varying requirements:

Golden

• Register with Golden Police Department
• Registration currently free
• Required for monitored alarm systems

Lakewood

• Alarm permit required for monitored systems
• Register with Lakewood Police Department
• See our Lakewood Security Camera Permit Guide

Arvada

• Contact Arvada Police Department for requirements
• False alarm ordinance may apply

Wheat Ridge

• Contact Wheat Ridge Police for alarm registration

Unincorporated Jefferson County

• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office handles alarm matters
• Check with Sheriff's Office for specific requirements

Determining Your Jurisdiction

Jefferson County provides an Address Lookup tool to determine if your property is:

• Located in a municipality (Golden, Lakewood, Arvada, etc.)
• In unincorporated Jefferson County

Visit the Jefferson County website to verify your location's municipal status.

Building Permit Process

When permits are required (electrical work, structures):

Online Services

Jefferson County offers online permitting through their Citizen Portal:

• Pre-registration required to use the portal
• Obtain permits online
• Request inspections
• View inspection results

Contact Information

Jefferson County Building Safety
100 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8200
Website: jeffco.us

Colorado Video Surveillance Laws

When installing cameras, understand Colorado's surveillance laws:

• Private Property: Cameras permitted on your own property
• Privacy Expectations: Cannot record areas with reasonable privacy expectation
• Audio Recording: Colorado is one-party consent state
• Neighbor Privacy: Avoid deliberately monitoring neighbors' private spaces

Contractor Requirements

Colorado has no statewide low voltage license:

• State License: Not required for low voltage under 50V
• Business License: May be required by municipality
• Insurance: General liability recommended
• Alarm Company License: Required for monitoring services

For comprehensive information, see our Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Fee	Notes
Alarm Registration (Golden)	Free	Currently no charge
Alarm Permit (varies by city)	$20-50	Contact local PD
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	If new circuits needed
Low voltage cameras only	No permit	N/A

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No permits typically required for cameras
• Register alarms if using monitoring service
• HOA approval may be needed in many communities
• Consider mountain properties with wildlife

Commercial Projects

• May require plan review for larger systems
• Employee notification requirements may apply
• PCI compliance for retail areas
• Data retention policies recommended

Special Considerations for Jefferson County

• Mountain Communities: Remote locations may need solar or cellular solutions
• Wildlife: Consider camera placement to minimize false triggers
• Weather: High altitude and snow require weather-rated equipment
• HOAs: Many neighborhoods have exterior modification rules
• Historic Areas: Golden historic district may have restrictions

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Use Jeffco Address Lookup to confirm location
• Register Early: Complete alarm registration before activation
• Online Portal: Pre-register for Jeffco Citizen Portal
• Mountain Properties: Plan for power and connectivity challenges
• Weather Rating: Specify cameras rated for Colorado conditions
• HOA Approval: Get approval before exterior installations

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Lakewood Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Denver Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• Jefferson County Permit Applications
• Jefferson County Online Permitting
• Jefferson County Permit Process