Security Camera Permit Requirements in Nassau County, New York

Quick Answer: Nassau County requires alarm system registration with the Nassau County Police Department for all security camera systems connected to monitoring. You'll need a NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License to install CCTV systems used for security detection. Building permits may be required depending on your specific town or village within Nassau County.

When Is a Permit Required?

Security camera installations in Nassau County involve two separate permit considerations:

Nassau County Police Alarm Registration

All Nassau County residents served by the Nassau County Police Department must register their alarm system. This applies to security cameras connected to monitoring or intrusion detection. Registration requirements:

• Valid for 2 years
• Non-transferable between properties
• Locations without permits face fines on first false alarm
• Registered locations allowed 2 false alarms before fines

Building Permits

Building permits may be required for:

• Running new wiring through walls or attics
• Commercial CCTV installations
• Systems requiring electrical panel connections
• Multi-unit residential buildings
• Installations penetrating fire-rated assemblies

Permit Exemptions

You typically don't need building permits for:

• Wireless security cameras with no wiring
• Battery-powered standalone cameras
• Surface-mounted cameras using existing outlets
• Simple residential camera additions

Important: Nassau County municipalities handle permits locally—requirements vary by town and village. Contact your specific building department before beginning work.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

New York State requires licensing for security camera installations:

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

A license is required for installing CCTV systems used for detection or monitoring of intrusion, break-in, theft, movement, sound, or fire. Per NYS Department of State:

• Training: 81-hour approved course (four 15-hour modules plus one 21-hour module)
• Examination: Must pass NYS state test
• Term: 2-year license
• Penalty: Up to $10,000 fine for unlicensed installation

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

License Exemptions

A license is NOT required when:

• Property owners install systems on their own property
• Employees install on employer's property
• Installing conduits and wires only (not the alarm system itself)
• Battery-operated smoke detection devices

Employee Requirements

Employees of licensed installers don't need individual licenses but must:

• Be issued identification cards per NYS Secretary of State requirements
• Work under supervision of licensed installer
• Carry identification while performing work

Nassau County Alarm Registration Process

How to Register

Register with the Nassau County Police Department:

Nassau County Police Alarm Permit Section
Phone: (516) 573-7862
Online: alarm.pdcn.org

Registration Requirements

• Property owner information
• Alarm company details
• System type and coverage
• Emergency contact information
• Payment of registration fee

False Alarm Policy

Status	False Alarms Allowed	Penalty
Registered	2 per year	Fines after 2nd alarm
Unregistered	0	Fine on first false alarm + registration fee

Fire Alarm Integration

If your security camera system integrates with fire alarm:

• Permit fee: $90 every 3 years
• Obtained through: Licensed alarm company registered with Nassau County Fire Marshal
• Cannot self-register: Must go through licensed installer

Building Permit Application Process

Step 1: Identify Your Municipality

Nassau County contains multiple municipalities with separate building departments:

• Town of Hempstead
• Town of North Hempstead
• Town of Oyster Bay
• City of Glen Cove
• City of Long Beach
• Various incorporated villages

Step 2: Contact Local Building Department

Requirements vary—contact your specific municipality:

• Nassau County Building and Zoning Permits
• Town of Hempstead Building Department
• Town of Oyster Bay Building Division
• Your village building department

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Typical requirements include:

• Building permit application
• Camera location plans
• Wiring pathway drawings
• Contractor license verification
• Insurance certificates

Step 4: Inspections

If permits are required:

• Rough-in inspection (before concealment)
• Final inspection
• Documentation of proper installation

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Alarm registration	Varies	Contact NCPD for current fee
Fire alarm permit	$90	Every 3 years
Building permit	Varies by municipality	Based on project value
False alarm fine	Escalating	After allowed false alarms

Processing Timeline

• Alarm registration: Immediate to 5 business days
• Building permits: Varies by municipality (3-15 days typical)

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

For single-family homes on Long Island:

• Alarm registration with NCPD required if monitored
• Building permits rarely needed for wireless systems
• Privacy laws apply—no cameras in bathrooms or areas with expectation of privacy
• Cameras facing neighbor's property can trigger civil complaints

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Alarm registration with NCPD
• Building permits likely required
• Employee notification requirements may apply
• Data retention policies may be regulated

New York Privacy Laws for Security Cameras

Installation in Nassau County must comply with NY privacy law:

Legal Camera Placement

• Public areas of your property
• Entrances and exits
• Parking areas
• Common areas (with notice in commercial settings)

Prohibited Camera Placement

• Restrooms
• Changing areas
• Areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Neighbor's property (cameras must be angled to avoid this)

Audio Recording

New York is a one-party consent state for audio recording, but recording private conversations without any party's consent is illegal. Security cameras with audio should have visible signage.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Register before installation completion. Nassau County police will fine unregistered systems on the first false alarm. Start the registration process early and have the permit number before final testing.

2. Know your municipality. Nassau County is fragmented into many jurisdictions. What applies in Hempstead may differ from Oyster Bay. Always call the local building department first.

3. Camera angle matters for privacy. The 2017 changes to NY law increased liability for cameras pointing into neighbor's property. Document camera angles during installation as protection against complaints.

4. License verification is enforced. NYS takes unlicensed installation seriously—$10,000 fines are real. Commercial clients often require license verification before awarding contracts.

5. False alarm reduction saves money. Program systems properly to avoid false alarms. After 2 false alarms, fines escalate. Motion verification and proper sensitivity settings pay off.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Nassau County Police Alarm Permit
• NYS Alarm Installer License Application
• Nassau County Building Permits

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change—always verify with Nassau County Police and your local building department before beginning work.