Security Camera Permit Requirements in Raleigh, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Most standard security camera installations in Raleigh do not require specific permits for the cameras themselves. However, electrical permits may be required for installations involving significant wiring work. All commercial installers must hold a North Carolina Electrical Contractor license (SP-LV or higher) and an Alarm Systems Business License. Historic districts may have additional restrictions on exterior installations.

When Are Permits Required?

The City of Raleigh and Wake County Inspections & Permits have specific requirements for low-voltage work:

Permits Typically Required

• Electrical work: New circuits, panel modifications, or significant wiring installations
• Structural modifications: Exterior camera mounting requiring building modifications
• Commercial installations: Low-voltage permits for business security systems
• Historic districts: Exterior modifications in historic areas require additional review
• Integrated systems: Cameras tied to fire alarm or access control systems

Permits Typically Not Required

• Standalone IP camera installations using existing network infrastructure
• Wireless security cameras with battery or solar power
• Replacing or upgrading existing camera systems
• Residential security camera installations meeting exemption criteria

Low Voltage Exemption Conditions

Some low-voltage systems may be exempt from licensed contractor requirements (but may still require permits) if ALL conditions are met:

• System is not required by NC State Building Code
• Control circuit is Class II or Class III per NEC
• Operates at 50 volts or less
• Not installed in hazardous areas per NEC
• Protected by circuit breaker, fuse, or current limiting device

North Carolina Contractor Licensing Requirements

Security camera installation in Raleigh requires proper licensing:

Electrical Contractor License

License Type	Issuing Board	Security Camera Coverage
SP-FA/LV (Fire Alarm/Low Voltage)	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	CCTV, security systems, low voltage
SP-LV (Low Voltage)	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Low voltage systems including surveillance
Intermediate/Limited/Unlimited	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Full electrical including low voltage

Alarm Systems Business License

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board requires:

• Company license: Required for all alarm systems businesses (no fee)
• Qualified agent: 2 years experience or Certified Alarm Technician Level I course
• Background check: Criminal record check for past 60 months
• References: Must provide professional references

For complete state licensing requirements, see our North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Raleigh/Wake County Permit Application Process

City of Raleigh (Within City Limits)

For properties within Raleigh city limits, use the City's permit applications:

• Residential: Low Voltage option on Residential Permit Application
• Commercial: Non-Residential Permit Application with electrical scope

Wake County (Unincorporated Areas)

For unincorporated Wake County, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wendell, and Zebulon:

Step 1: Create Account

Register on the Wake County Permit Portal.

Step 2: Submit Application

Upload plans and complete permit forms through the online portal.

Step 3: Plan Review

Allow 5-10 business days for review depending on project complexity.

Step 4: Inspections

Schedule inspections through the portal. Note: Cut-off time for next-day inspections is 3:00 PM.

Contact Information

City of Raleigh Development Services
One Exchange Plaza
Raleigh, NC 27601
Website: raleighnc.gov

Wake County Inspections & Permits
Wake County Office Building
Website: wake.gov/permits-inspections

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$50-$150	1-5 business days
Commercial Permit	Based on project value	5-15 business days
Inspection	Included in permit	Next day if before 3 PM

North Carolina Security Camera Privacy Laws

When installing security cameras in Raleigh, comply with NC state privacy laws:

Where Cameras Are Permitted

• Public areas with no reasonable expectation of privacy
• Business entrances and retail spaces
• Parking lots and common areas
• Your own property (residential or commercial)

Where Cameras Are Prohibited

• Private spaces like bathrooms (NCGS §14-202 - felony violation)
• Areas where individuals have reasonable expectation of privacy
• Recording beyond your property boundaries without authorization

Audio Recording Requirements

North Carolina is a one-party consent state:

• Video-only recording is generally permitted in non-private areas
• Audio recording without consent of at least one party may be illegal
• Post clear signage: "Video Surveillance in Use"
• Consider disabling audio on commercial systems to reduce liability

Historic District Considerations

Raleigh has several historic districts with additional requirements:

• Exterior camera installations may require Historic District Commission review
• Camera housings and mounting may need to meet aesthetic guidelines
• Contact Raleigh Planning and Development before installing exterior cameras in historic areas

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

Home security cameras in Raleigh typically do not require permits for:

• Doorbell cameras and video intercoms
• Wireless outdoor cameras
• Indoor monitoring systems
• DIY installation using existing outlets

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial installations require:

• Licensed contractor: SP-LV or higher electrical license
• Business license: NC Alarm Systems Business License
• Privacy compliance: Proper signage and camera placement
• Permits: Low voltage electrical permit for significant installations

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Check jurisdiction: Verify if your project is in Raleigh city limits or unincorporated Wake County
• Historic review: Contact Planning and Development before exterior work in historic districts
• 3 PM cutoff: Submit inspection requests before 3 PM for next-day scheduling
• Privacy signage: Post "Video Surveillance in Use" signs at all entrances
• Audio considerations: Disable audio on commercial systems unless specifically needed
• Permit portal: Use Wake County Permit Portal for 24/7 application submission

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Charlotte, North Carolina