Security Camera Permit Requirements in Monroe County, New York

Quick Answer: Monroe County does not require a specific permit for property owners to install security cameras. However, contractors who install CCTV systems for security monitoring purposes must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License from the Department of State. Permits may be required for associated electrical work depending on your municipality within the county.

Understanding Monroe County's Requirements

Monroe County, which includes Rochester and surrounding municipalities like Greece, Irondequoit, Brighton, and Henrietta, follows New York State regulations for security camera installations. While there's no county-wide permit specifically for cameras, licensing requirements apply to contractors, and local building permits may be needed for electrical or structural work.

When Permits Are Required

Permits may be required in Monroe County for security camera installations when:

• Electrical work is involved - New circuits, conduit runs, or panel modifications
• Structural modifications - Pole mounting, wall penetrations, or exterior installations requiring structural support
• Commercial construction - Low voltage systems included in overall building permit
• Historic districts - Exterior cameras in Rochester's historic preservation areas may require design review

When Permits Are Not Required

Most security camera installations in Monroe County are permit-exempt:

• Residential camera systems using existing electrical infrastructure
• Wireless camera installations with no structural mounting
• Indoor commercial cameras using existing power and network
• Simple replacements of existing camera equipment

New York State Contractor Licensing

The New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) requires licensing for contractors who install security camera systems.

Who Needs a License

According to NYSDOS regulations, a license is required if you install, maintain, or service CCTV systems used for:

• Detection or monitoring of intrusion or break-in
• Theft detection and monitoring
• Movement detection
• Security monitoring purposes

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved coursework (four 15-hour modules + one 21-hour module)
Experience	Minimum 2 years (3,500 hours) in security/fire alarm installation
Examination	State licensing exam administered by NYSDOS
Application fee	$185 (after exam) or $200 (without exam)
Fingerprinting	Background check through Division of Criminal Justice Services
License term	2 years, renewable

License Exemptions

A license is NOT required for:

• Property owners installing cameras on their own property
• Employees installing systems for their employer's property
• Licensed Master Electricians (but must register with Secretary of State)
• CCTV systems used purely for non-security purposes

For complete state licensing details, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

New York State Surveillance Laws

All security camera installations in Monroe County must comply with New York State surveillance laws:

Permitted Uses

• Security monitoring with visible notice posted
• Cameras that are immediately apparent and visible
• Monitoring of business premises for security purposes
• Residential exterior cameras on your own property

Prohibited Uses

• Recording in areas with expected privacy (bathrooms, locker rooms, changing areas)
• Recording neighbors' backyards (Backyard Surveillance Law)
• Secret recording without legitimate security purpose
• Audio recording without at least one-party consent

Workplace Requirements

Under New York Labor Law Section 203-C and recent Civil Rights Law amendments:

• Employers must notify employees of video surveillance with signs or employee handbook
• Written acknowledgment of notification must be obtained
• No cameras in locker rooms, bathrooms, or changing areas
• Fines: $500 first violation, $1,000 second, $3,000+ subsequent

Penalties: Unlawful surveillance is a Class E felony in New York, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and $5,000 fine.

Municipality Contacts in Monroe County

Municipality	Department	Phone
City of Rochester	Bureau of Buildings & Zoning	(585) 428-6520
Town of Greece	Building Department	(585) 723-2355
Town of Irondequoit	Building Department	(585) 336-6016
Town of Brighton	Building Department	(585) 784-5220
Town of Henrietta	Building Department	(585) 359-7035
Town of Webster	Building Department	(585) 872-1000

City of Rochester Electrical Licensing

The City of Rochester has its own Electrical Licensing Ordinance. Key points:

• Electrical contractors must be licensed to work in the city
• Low voltage work may have different requirements than line voltage
• Contact the Bureau of Buildings & Zoning for specific requirements

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
Security camera permit	Not required for cameras alone	N/A
Electrical permit (if needed)	$50-$150	1-5 business days
NYS installer license application	$185-$200	4-8 weeks processing
81-hour license course	$800-$1,500	2-4 weeks

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

For homeowners in Monroe County:

• No permit required for typical camera installations
• Self-installation is legal on your own property
• Follow New York privacy laws regarding neighbor visibility
• Electrical permits needed only for new circuit installation
• Consider weather-rated equipment for Rochester winters

Commercial Projects

For businesses and commercial properties:

• Must use NYS-licensed contractor for security system installation
• Post visible notice of video surveillance
• Obtain employee acknowledgment of surveillance notification
• Electrical permits may be required for new power runs
• Healthcare and education facilities have additional compliance requirements

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Requirements

• Contact your local building department
• Verify if electrical permits are needed
• Confirm contractor licensing requirements

Step 2: Hire Licensed Contractor

• Verify NYS Security/Fire Alarm Installer License
• Check local contractor registration if required
• Obtain written estimates and contracts

Step 3: Installation

• Obtain any required permits before work begins
• Install per manufacturer specifications and codes
• Post required surveillance notices

Step 4: Documentation

• Keep proof of contractor licensing
• Maintain employee acknowledgments (commercial)
• Document camera locations and coverage areas

Pro Tips from Monroe County Contractors

• Verify contractor licensing - Check the NYSDOS license lookup before hiring any security installer
• Plan for Rochester weather - Use cameras rated for extreme cold and lake-effect conditions
• Document camera positions - Take photos showing camera angles to avoid privacy disputes
• Consider PoE - Power over Ethernet simplifies installation and reduces electrical permit needs
• Post proper signage - Visible surveillance notices protect you legally
• Backup power - Rochester's winter storms can cause outages; consider UPS systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Rochester Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Buffalo Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Syracuse Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current regulations with NYSDOS and your local building department before starting work.