Security Camera Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, California
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Los Angeles security camera permit guide covering LADBS electrical permits, police alarm permits, false alarm fees, and California CSLB/BSIS dual licensing.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, California
Quick Answer: Los Angeles requires electrical permits for low-voltage security camera installations through LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety). All premises with burglar alarms must obtain a Police Alarm Permit from the LA Office of Finance ($43 initial, $30 annual renewal). False alarms cost $136 with a valid permit or $236 without one. Installers need both a CSLB C-7 Low Voltage license and BSIS Alarm Company Operator (ACO) license.
When Is a Permit Required?
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) requires permits for low-voltage electrical installations.
Permit Required
- Installation or alteration of low-voltage systems including security cameras
- Computer systems, security alarms, and stereo installations
- Installation or alteration of any permanent wiring or electrical device
- Commercial surveillance system installations
Permit Process
- Simple projects: Can be issued online or in minutes at the LADBS office
- Small to medium projects: Require counter plan check, reviewed in approximately one hour
- Residential electrical work: Drawn plans not required unless service involves 400 amps or more
Contact LADBS
- Website: dbs.lacity.gov
- Electrical Permits: LADBS Electrical Permits
Los Angeles Police Alarm Permit
Under LAMC Section 103.206, all premises (residential and commercial) with burglar alarms must obtain a Police Alarm Permit from the Los Angeles Office of Finance.
Permit Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial alarm permit | $43 |
| Annual renewal | $30 |
| Late renewal penalty | $10 (added to $30 renewal) |
How to Apply
- New Permit: Police Alarm Permit Application
- Renewal: Police Alarm Permit Renewal
False Alarm Fees
Alarm permittees are billed by the Office of Finance for each false alarm. Fees are significantly higher without a valid permit.
| Scenario | Fee Per False Alarm |
|---|---|
| With valid alarm permit | $136 |
| Without valid alarm permit | $236 |
False Alarm Fee Waiver
The LAPD offers an Online Alarm School. Completing this course allows you to get one false alarm fee waived—a valuable option for customers with accidental triggers.
California Contractor Licensing Requirements
California has dual licensing requirements for security camera installers: CSLB contractor licensing AND BSIS alarm operator licensing.
CSLB C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor License
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires a C-7 license to install, service, and maintain low-voltage systems including:
- Surveillance cameras
- Security alarms
- Fire detection systems
- Related security equipment
BSIS Alarm Company Operator (ACO) License
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) requires an ACO license under the California Alarm Company Act (Business and Professions Code Section 7594.510) to install and service burglar alarms.
ACO License Requirements:
- Criminal history background check through DOJ and FBI
- Live Scan fingerprinting (applicant pays processing fees)
- In-state California address required
- Qualified Manager must actively control and manage operations
- Pass ACO examination covering Ohm's Law, battery calculations, relay forms, wire types, business/labor law, BSIS regulations, and false alarm reduction
Insurance Requirements (for LLCs):
- Minimum $1,000,000 general aggregate liability
- Additional $100,000 per managing member over 5 members
- Maximum required: $5 million
License Duration: 2 years, renewable up to 3 years after expiration
For complete California licensing requirements, see our California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Building Permit (if required)
- Visit LADBS website
- Submit permit application online or in person
- Simple projects: same-day approval
- Larger projects: counter plan check required
Step 2: Complete Installation
- Install per California Electrical Code and local amendments
- Ensure proper licensing (C-7 and ACO)
Step 3: Obtain Police Alarm Permit
- Apply at LA Office of Finance
- Pay $43 initial fee
- Receive permit number
Step 4: Schedule Inspection
Request inspection through LADBS if building permit was required.
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Low-voltage electrical permit | Varies by scope | Same day to 1 hour (counter check) |
| Police alarm permit (initial) | $43 | Online, immediate |
| Police alarm permit (renewal) | $30 | Annual |
| Late renewal penalty | $10 | Added if past due |
| False alarm (with permit) | $136 | Billed monthly |
| False alarm (no permit) | $236 | Billed monthly |
Residential vs. Commercial Installations
Residential Projects
- Building permit required for permanent wiring installations
- Plans not required unless 400+ amp service
- Police alarm permit required ($43)
- Homeowner cannot self-install if system will be monitored (ACO requirement)
- California is a two-party consent state for audio recording
Commercial Projects
- LADBS electrical permit required
- Must use CSLB C-7 licensed contractor
- Must use BSIS ACO licensed company
- Police alarm permit required
- May need fire marshal approval for integrated fire systems
Important Legal Considerations
California Recording Laws
Video Recording: California permits video surveillance in public areas of businesses and on your own property without consent, as long as there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Audio Recording: California is a two-party consent state (California Penal Code Section 632). This means:
- You cannot record audio without consent of all parties
- Security cameras with audio require conspicuous signage and consent
- Disable audio recording or obtain explicit consent
- Violation is a criminal offense with fines up to $2,500 and possible imprisonment
Areas Where Recording Is Prohibited
- Bathrooms and restrooms
- Changing rooms and locker rooms
- Private offices where privacy is expected
- Neighboring properties without consent
- Any area with reasonable expectation of privacy
Pro Tips for Los Angeles Contractors
- Dual licensing required: You need both CSLB C-7 AND BSIS ACO licenses—verify both are current before bidding work
- $100 false alarm savings: Always ensure customers get the Police Alarm Permit—it saves $100 per false alarm ($136 vs $236)
- LAPD Alarm School: Recommend the free online course to customers—it waives one false alarm fee
- LADBS Fast Track: Simple projects can be permitted same-day—use this for quick residential jobs
- County vs. City: LA County unincorporated areas have different requirements than City of Los Angeles—verify jurisdiction
- BSIS in-state requirement: ACO license now requires California address—out-of-state companies must establish local presence
- Audio warning: California's two-party consent law is strictly enforced—always disable audio or get explicit consent
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in Los Angeles before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
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