Security Camera Permit Requirements in Reading, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Reading does not require a specific permit for most security camera installations on private property. However, electrical work may require permits, and Pennsylvania's strict two-party consent wiretap law prohibits audio recording without consent. Neither Reading nor Berks County require a low voltage contractor license, though compliance with the Uniform Construction Code is mandatory.

When Is a Permit Required?

Most security camera installations in Reading do not require dedicated permits. However, several scenarios may trigger permit requirements.

Permit Typically NOT Required

• Standalone security camera installations (wireless or wired)
• Low voltage wiring that does not penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Camera systems using existing electrical infrastructure
• Residential doorbell cameras and basic surveillance systems
• IP camera installations using PoE

Permit MAY Be Required

• Electrical work requiring new circuits or panel modifications
• Structural penetrations for conduit runs
• Commercial projects involving significant electrical loads
• Camera poles or mounting structures requiring foundation work
• Integration with alarm systems (may trigger alarm registration)

Contact Reading's Building and Trades department at 1-877-727-3234 (Citizen's Service Center) to confirm requirements for your specific project.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide license for low voltage or security camera installers. Berks County follows this state approach.

Pennsylvania State Requirements

• No state low voltage license: Pennsylvania does not require a dedicated license for security camera installation
• No state electrical contractor license: Pennsylvania leaves electrical licensing to local jurisdictions
• UCC compliance mandatory: All installations must meet Uniform Construction Code standards
• Home Improvement Registration: Required for contractors performing $5,000+ annually in home improvements

Reading/Berks County Requirements

• Contact Berks County Code Compliance for specific local requirements
• Business registration may be required
• Insurance documentation recommended for commercial work

For complete licensing information, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Guide.

Pennsylvania Wiretap Law: Critical Audio Requirements

Pennsylvania is a two-party consent state. This has major implications for security camera installations in Reading:

• Audio recording requires consent: ALL parties must consent to audio recording
• Video-only is safer: Disable audio recording on cameras in most scenarios
• Severe penalties: Violations are third-degree felonies with potential prison time
• Signs are not enough: Posted notices do not constitute consent for audio
• One of the strictest states: Pennsylvania is among 12 states requiring all-party consent

Best Practice: Configure all security cameras with audio recording disabled unless you have documented consent from all parties who may be recorded.

Privacy and Placement Requirements

Pennsylvania law permits security cameras on private property with specific restrictions:

Legal Camera Placement

• Entrances and exits
• Parking lots and driveways
• Retail floors and lobbies
• Warehouse and storage areas
• Building exteriors

Prohibited Placement

• Restrooms and bathrooms
• Changing rooms and locker rooms
• Break rooms (areas with privacy expectation)
• Private offices (without notice)
• Areas pointed directly at neighbor's private property

Business Requirements

• Post conspicuous signage indicating surveillance is in use
• Notify employees of camera locations and recording policies
• Document footage storage and retention policies
• Avoid hidden cameras in areas with privacy expectations

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Need

Contact Reading Building and Trades to verify if your specific installation requires permits.

Step 2: Gather Documentation (If Permits Required)

• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical diagrams (if new circuits required)
• Product specifications
• Business registration documentation
• Insurance certificates

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit permit applications to:

Reading Building and Trades Department
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-30
Reading, PA 19601
Citizen's Service Center: 1-877-727-3234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Step 4: Schedule Inspection

If electrical work is involved, schedule inspection after installation is complete.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Security camera installation (no permit)	$0	Immediate
Electrical permit (if required)	$50-150	3-5 business days
PA Home Improvement Registration	$50	Online processing

Fees are estimates. Contact Reading Building and Trades for current fees.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Generally straightforward with minimal permit requirements
• Homeowners can install cameras on their own property without neighbor consent
• Cannot point cameras directly at neighbors' private areas
• Doorbell cameras and basic systems rarely need permits
• HOA rules may impose additional restrictions

Commercial Installations

• Must post visible signage indicating surveillance is in use
• Employee notification requirements under Pennsylvania law
• Document camera locations and recording policies
• Larger systems may trigger electrical permit requirements
• Cannot place cameras in areas with reasonable privacy expectation

Pro Tips from the Field

Disable Audio Recording: Pennsylvania's two-party consent law makes audio recording extremely risky. Default to video-only on all installations to avoid felony charges for your clients.

Post Signage: For commercial installations, visible signage indicating video surveillance is in use protects your client legally and serves as a deterrent. This is essentially required for Pennsylvania businesses.

Document Everything: Even when permits aren't required, maintain installation records including camera locations, wiring diagrams, and product specifications. This protects both you and your client.

Respect Property Lines: While capturing part of a neighbor's property incidentally is acceptable, pointing cameras directly at their private areas is not. Position cameras to focus on your client's property.

Get Written Policies: For commercial clients, recommend they document their surveillance policies including camera locations, recording retention, and employee notification procedures.

Contact Information

Reading Building and Trades Department
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-30
Reading, PA 19601
Citizen's Service Center: 1-877-727-3234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Zoning Office
Phone: (610) 655-6326

PA Attorney General - Home Improvement Registration
Website: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Allentown Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Reading Building and Trades before beginning work.