Security Camera Permit Requirements in Madison County, Alabama

Installing security cameras in Madison County, Alabama—home to Huntsville and the rapidly growing technology corridor—requires understanding state licensing requirements through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL). This guide covers the unincorporated areas of Madison County—for work within the City of Huntsville, see our separate Huntsville city permit guide.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no building permit required. Standard security camera installations in unincorporated Madison County do not require a building permit. However, all professional installers must be licensed through AESBL. The City of Huntsville has a mandatory alarm registration requirement that may not apply to unincorporated county areas—verify with county authorities.

When Is a Permit Required vs Exempt?

No Permit Required:

• Standard exterior security camera installations
• Interior video surveillance systems
• Wireless camera systems with minimal mounting
• Replacement of existing equipment
• Residential doorbell cameras and home security systems

Permit May Be Required:

• Installations requiring new electrical circuits
• Large-scale commercial deployments with structural modifications
• Systems requiring underground conduit
• Pole-mounted cameras requiring excavation
• Work on federal facilities (Redstone Arsenal area)

What Are the Contractor Licensing Requirements?

Alabama requires all security camera installers to be licensed through the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure (AESBL). For complete details, see our Alabama Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Who Must Be Licensed:

You must be licensed with AESBL if you:

• Advertise CCTV or security camera installation services
• Install, maintain, or repair security camera systems for compensation
• Enter homes or businesses to sell or install security systems
• Display signage on vehicles advertising security services
• Post on social media offering these services

AESBL License Requirements:

• Company license: Required with $250,000 general liability insurance minimum
• Qualifying Agent: Each company must have a resident QA
• Individual license: All technicians must hold their own license
• Background check: FBI/ALEA fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Training: NTS Video System Technologies course (14-hour online) or equivalent for CCTV endorsement

License Fees:

• Qualifying Agent fee: $50-$150 (depending on disciplines)
• Individual fee: $50
• Background check fee: $38.25 (payable to ALEA)

How Do You Apply for Licensing?

AESBL License Application Process:

1. Download application packet from AESBL website
2. Complete and notarize application form
3. Submit ALEA background check forms with fingerprint cards
4. Provide proof of $250,000 general liability insurance
5. Submit proof of NTS training or equivalent
6. Pay applicable fees

Contact Information:

Agency	Contact	Purpose
AESBL	(334) 264-9388	State contractor licensing
Madison County Building	(256) 532-3434	County permits (if required)
Huntsville Building Dept	(256) 427-5050	City permits in Huntsville

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
AESBL QA license fee	$50-$150	4-6 weeks
AESBL individual license fee	$50	4-6 weeks
ALEA background check	$38.25	Included in above
NTS Video System Technologies course	Varies	14 hours online

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Installations:

• No building permit typically required
• Same AESBL licensing requirements apply
• Cameras cannot point directly into neighboring private areas
• Alabama's one-party consent law applies to audio recording

Commercial Installations:

• May require building permit for extensive installations
• Defense contractor facilities have additional security requirements
• Tech corridor businesses often have specific IT integration needs
• Research Park facilities may require coordination with property management

What About Federal Facilities and Defense Contractors?

Madison County's proximity to Redstone Arsenal and numerous defense contractors creates unique considerations:

• Redstone Arsenal: Federal facility with separate requirements—contact base security
• Defense contractors: May require additional security clearances for work
• ITAR considerations: Some facilities have export control requirements
• Cummings Research Park: May have property management coordination requirements

What About City of Huntsville vs Madison County?

Madison County contains both incorporated and unincorporated areas:

• City of Huntsville: Has mandatory alarm registration requirement
• City of Madison: May have separate requirements
• Unincorporated Madison County: Use county permits

Always verify whether the work location is within city limits or unincorporated county.

Pro Tips from Madison County Contractors

• Always carry your AESBL badge: Officials can request to see it at any time
• Keep license number visible: Must appear on all advertising, contracts, business cards, and vehicles
• Federal facility work: Plan extra time for security clearance processes
• No state reciprocity: Alabama has no licensing reciprocity with other states
• Know your jurisdiction: Huntsville vs Madison vs county requirements differ
• Trainee option: New technicians can work as trainees for six months while getting certified

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in City of Huntsville, Alabama

Additional guides for Madison County covering fire alarms, access control, and structured cabling coming soon.