Security Camera Permit Requirements in Lake County, Indiana

Low voltage contractors installing security cameras in Lake County, Indiana need to understand local permit and licensing requirements. This guide covers everything from contractor licensing to privacy laws for video surveillance installations in Northwest Indiana's most populous county.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for camera equipment. Security camera installations in Lake County typically do not require a dedicated permit for the camera equipment itself. However, contractors must be licensed with Lake County, and electrical work beyond low voltage may require permits.

Does Lake County Require Security Camera Permits?

Lake County does not require specific permits for standalone security camera installations. However, several related requirements apply:

• Contractor licensing: Required under Lake County Ordinance #1628
• Electrical permits: Required for new circuits or panel modifications
• Building permits: May be needed for structural mounting in some cases
• Municipal requirements: Cities like Gary and Hammond may have additional alarm registration requirements

What Contractor Licensing Is Required?

Lake County has a formal contractor licensing program administered by the Plan Commission:

• Contractor License Ordinance #1628: Contractors must be licensed to work in Lake County
• Testing requirement: The Plan Commission handles testing and licensing
• Online portal: Licensed contractors access permits.lakecountyin.gov
• License renewal: Annual renewal via Contractor Dashboard

For complete Indiana licensing information, see our Indiana Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Permits?

When permits are required for security camera projects in Lake County:

1. Access online portal: Visit Lake County Permits Portal
2. Select permit type: Choose appropriate category (electrical, building, etc.)
3. Pay filing fee: $3.50 application fee (credit card online)
4. Submit documentation: Plans and specifications as required
5. Pay permit fee: Cash or check at Building Department, or credit card online

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Lake County Plan Commission	lakecountyin.gov
Online Permits	permits.lakecountyin.gov
Contractor Licensing	Contractor Licensing Page

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Online Filing Fee	$3.50	Covers online system maintenance
Payment Gateway Fee	$1.49	Collected by payment vendor
Permit Fee	Varies by scope	Can pay cash/check in person
Contractor License	Per Ordinance #1628	Annual renewal

What Privacy Laws Apply to Security Cameras?

Indiana law imposes requirements on video surveillance:

Prohibited Locations

Under Indiana Code 35-46-8.5-1, it is a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly place an unattended camera on private property without owner or tenant consent. Areas with reasonable expectation of privacy are off-limits:

• Restrooms
• Locker rooms
• Changing areas
• Private employee spaces

Audio Recording Requirements

Indiana is a "one-party consent" state for audio recording under Codes 35-31.5-2-176 and 35-33.5-5-5:

• At least one party must consent to audio recording
• Recording without consent is a felony
• Consider disabling audio or using consent signage

Municipal Considerations

Lake County includes several municipalities that may have additional requirements:

• Gary: Contact city for alarm permit requirements
• Hammond: Contact city for alarm permit requirements
• East Chicago: Separate municipal requirements may apply
• Merrillville: Town-specific requirements
• Crown Point: City requirements may differ
• Highland, Munster: Contact town offices

Always verify requirements with the specific municipality where work will be performed.

What Are Residential vs Commercial Differences?

Residential Installations

• Licensed contractor must perform work
• No camera-specific permit typically required
• Electrical permit only if adding new circuits
• HOA restrictions may apply in some communities

Commercial Installations

• Licensed contractor required per Ordinance #1628
• Building permit may be required for extensive installations
• Privacy signage recommended
• Employee notification of surveillance
• Data retention policies for businesses

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Get licensed first: Lake County enforces contractor licensing ordinance
• Use the online portal: permits.lakecountyin.gov streamlines applications
• Check municipal requirements: Gary, Hammond, and other cities may have additional requirements
• Document consent: Get property owner permission in writing
• Avoid audio by default: One-party consent can still create liability
• Plan camera placement: Avoid capturing neighboring properties

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Lake County

We're building out permit guides for all project types in Lake County. Check back soon for:

• Fire Alarm Permits in Lake County
• Access Control Permits in Lake County
• Structured Cabling Permits in Lake County