Security Camera Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Installing security cameras in Minneapolis involves specific business licensing requirements and contractor regulations. Whether you're a low voltage contractor installing systems for clients or a business owner planning a surveillance upgrade, understanding Minneapolis's unique camera registration requirements will keep your project compliant.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no standalone permit is required, but businesses must register surveillance cameras with the city. Minneapolis does not require a traditional building permit for security camera installation. However, businesses obtaining or renewing commercial licenses (liquor, entertainment, transient merchandise) must register their on-site surveillance cameras with the city. Contractors must hold appropriate Minnesota electrical or technology systems licenses.

When Are Permits or Registration Required?

Minneapolis has specific surveillance camera requirements tied to business licensing:

• Commercial licenses: Businesses with liquor, entertainment, or transient merchandise licenses must register cameras
• Gasoline stations: Required to have cameras recording at pumps
• Entrance cameras: One camera must be aimed at the entrance door for licensed businesses
• Residential installations: No permit or registration typically required

What Are Minneapolis Camera Ordinance Requirements?

The City of Minneapolis enforces these surveillance camera requirements for businesses:

• Post signage notifying the public that surveillance cameras are operating
• At least one camera aimed at the entrance door
• Digital storage system capable of retaining 30 days of recorded footage
• Ability to provide recordings to Minneapolis Police or Business Licenses within 8 hours of request
• Recordings must be in a viewable format for city officials

How Does Voluntary Camera Registration Work?

Minneapolis offers a free voluntary Security Camera Registration Program for residents and businesses. Benefits include:

• Free registration with no hardware or subscription required
• Password-protected profile for your camera information
• Helps police locate cameras if a crime occurs nearby
• Completely voluntary for non-licensed businesses and residents

What Contractor Licenses Are Required in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires specific licenses for security camera installation contractors:

• Technology Systems Contractor License: Required for alarm companies installing surveillance as part of integrated systems
• Power Limited Technician License: Required for qualifying agents working on control, signaling, and alarm systems
• Electrical Contractor License: May be required if installation involves line voltage electrical work

For detailed licensing requirements, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.

Minnesota DPS Private Detective Board

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety oversees the Private Detective and Protective Agents Board. Contact them at 651-201-7000 for questions about security-related licensing.

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
Voluntary camera registration	Free	Immediate online
Business license camera registration	Included in license fee	With license renewal
Technology Systems Contractor License	Varies by state	2-4 weeks
Electrical permit (if required)	$50-150	1-3 business days

What Are Residential vs Commercial Differences?

Residential Installations

• No permit typically required for exterior cameras
• No mandatory registration (voluntary program available)
• Must comply with Minnesota privacy laws—no recording in areas with privacy expectations
• Signage recommended but not legally required

Commercial Installations

• Licensed businesses must register cameras with the city
• Signage required notifying public of surveillance
• 30-day recording retention mandatory
• 8-hour response requirement for police/city requests
• Regular inspections by Minneapolis Police or Business Licenses

What Are Minnesota Privacy Laws for Cameras?

Minnesota Statute § 609.746 governs surveillance privacy. Key points:

• Video recording legal in public and private spaces without privacy expectations
• Recording prohibited in bathrooms, bedrooms, changing rooms
• Minnesota is a "one-party consent" state for audio recording
• Audio recording requires consent from at least one party to the conversation
• Minnesota Statute § 325E.319 requires businesses to securely destroy video data when no longer needed

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Document camera locations: Keep detailed records of all camera placements for compliance verification
• Plan for 30-day storage: Size your NVR/DVR storage capacity for the mandatory retention period
• Include signage in quotes: Build notification signage into your commercial bids
• Register for clients: Offer to complete voluntary registration as a value-add service
• Verify license type needed: Some camera-only installations may not require alarm company licensing

How to Apply for Business Camera Registration

1. Download the surveillance camera form from Minneapolis Business Licenses
2. Complete camera location and specification details
3. Submit with your business license application or renewal
4. Maintain compliance with 30-day storage and 8-hour response requirements

Contact Minneapolis Business Licenses:
Phone: 311 (within Minneapolis) or 612-673-3000
Address: 350 S 5th Street, Room 1, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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