Security Camera Permit Requirements in Lake County, Illinois

Installing security cameras in unincorporated Lake County, Illinois? This guide covers permit requirements, contractor licensing, and compliance essentials for surveillance system installations in one of Illinois' most populous counties.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, building permits are typically required for security camera installations in unincorporated Lake County that involve electrical work, exterior mounting, or structural modifications. However, permit requirements can vary significantly depending on:

• Installation location (unincorporated county vs. incorporated municipality)
• Scope of electrical work involved
• Commercial vs. residential application
• Whether the system is hardwired or wireless

Properties within incorporated cities like Waukegan, Highland Park, Lake Forest, or Libertyville must contact their respective municipal building departments, as each has its own permitting requirements.

When Permits Are Required

Permits Typically Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired camera systems with conduit installation
• Exterior-mounted cameras requiring structural penetrations
• Commercial surveillance systems
• Systems integrated with fire or security alarms
• POE (Power over Ethernet) installations with new low voltage cabling
• Camera installations on new construction or major renovations

Potentially Exempt Installations

• Wireless battery-powered cameras
• Plug-in cameras using existing outlets
• Simple residential systems under 25 volts with no new wiring
• Temporary camera installations

Important: Always verify exemptions with Lake County Planning, Building and Development before starting work. Requirements change and specific project conditions may affect exemption status.

Illinois Contractor Licensing Requirements

Security camera installation in Illinois requires proper state licensing. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees contractor licensing for security systems.

Private Alarm Contractor License

Under 225 ILCS 447 (Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004), security camera installations typically fall under Private Alarm Contractor licensing. Requirements include:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• No felony convictions (or 10+ years since discharge)
• Pass IDFPR-authorized examination
• 3 years qualifying experience (1,500 hours per year)
• Good moral character verification

Experience Qualifications

Qualifying experience for the alarm contractor exam includes:

• 4-year degree in electrical engineering or related field (counts as 2 years)
• Full-time manager for licensed alarm contractor agency
• National certification program completion (counts as 1 year)
• Pre-2004 surveillance/CCTV experience may count for full requirement

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

Lake County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

First, confirm whether your project is in unincorporated Lake County or within an incorporated municipality:

• Unincorporated areas: Apply through Lake County Planning, Building and Development
• Incorporated cities: Contact the specific municipal building department

Step 2: Early Assistance Meeting (If Needed)

For complex commercial projects, Lake County offers Early Assistance meetings to review requirements before formal application. Contact a project manager at 847-377-2600 to schedule.

Step 3: Submit Application

For unincorporated Lake County:

• Download permit application from Lake County Building Permits
• Applications must be submitted in person
• Property owner or authorized agent may submit
• Include site plans, electrical diagrams, and equipment specifications

Step 4: Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical load calculations (if applicable)
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Contractor license verification
• Property owner authorization (if contractor submitting)

Contact Information

Lake County Planning, Building and Development
Phone: 847-377-2600
Website: lakecountyil.gov/Permits

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Residential Electrical Permit	$75-$150	3-5 business days
Commercial Electrical Permit	$150-$400+	5-10 business days
Plan Review (commercial)	Varies by project	2-4 weeks
Inspection Fee	Often included	Schedule upon completion

Fees vary by project scope. Contact Lake County for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Generally simpler permit process
• Basic electrical permit may suffice for hardwired systems
• Wireless systems often exempt
• Must comply with privacy laws (no recording neighbors)
• HOA restrictions may apply in some communities

Commercial Installations

• Plan review typically required
• May require fire marshal approval if integrated with alarm systems
• ADA compliance considerations for camera placement
• Employee notification requirements
• Higher insurance and bonding requirements
• Data retention and privacy policy requirements

Illinois Privacy and Recording Laws

Illinois has some of the strictest surveillance laws in the nation. Contractors and property owners must understand these requirements:

Video Recording

• Cameras prohibited in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas)
• Visible camera placement recommended
• Signage required in commercial settings notifying of surveillance

Audio Recording (Two-Party Consent)

Illinois is a two-party consent state. Recording audio without consent from all parties is illegal under 720 ILCS 5/14-2. This means:

• Security cameras with audio recording require special consideration
• All recorded parties must consent to audio capture
• Prominent signage can help establish implied consent in commercial settings
• Consider disabling audio recording to avoid legal complications

Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

If cameras use facial recognition or other biometric features, Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14) applies:

• Written consent required before collecting biometric data
• Privacy policy must be published
• Strict data retention and destruction requirements
• Significant penalties for violations ($1,000-$5,000 per violation)

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Call before you dig: Contact JULIE (811) before any underground cable runs
• Document everything: Photograph existing conditions and all installation phases
• Verify jurisdiction first: Lake County has many municipalities—confirm you're applying to the right authority
• Check fire district requirements: Some Lake County fire protection districts have additional requirements for commercial systems
• Plan for weather: Lake County winters are harsh—use outdoor-rated equipment and proper weatherproofing
• Consider network infrastructure: Many modern systems are IP-based—coordinate with IT infrastructure needs
• Get it in writing: Obtain written confirmation of any verbal exemptions or approvals

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Chicago, IL Security Camera Permits
• Aurora, IL Security Camera Permits
• Naperville, IL Security Camera Permits
• Cook County, IL Security Camera Permits
• Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide