Security Camera Permit Requirements in Riverside County, California

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in unincorporated Riverside County typically don't require a building permit for basic residential setups. However, monitored alarm systems require an Alarm User's Permit under County Ordinance No. 753. The Riverside County Sheriff also offers a voluntary Security Camera Registration Program to help solve neighborhood crimes. Commercial and hardwired installations may need electrical permits through TLMA Building and Safety.

Understanding Riverside County Jurisdiction

Riverside County spans over 7,000 square miles and includes 28 incorporated cities plus extensive unincorporated areas. This guide covers the unincorporated areas governed by Riverside County agencies.

If your property is within city limits (such as the City of Riverside, Corona, or Palm Springs), contact that city's building and police departments for specific requirements.

Security Camera Registration Program (Voluntary)

The Riverside County Sheriff's Security Camera Registration Program is a voluntary initiative that helps prevent and solve crimes.

How It Works

• Cost: Free to register
• Purpose: Creates a list investigators can reference when crimes occur nearby
• Privacy: Registration does NOT give law enforcement unrestricted access to your cameras
• Process: When a crime occurs, investigators contact registered camera owners to request footage from the relevant date and time

Benefits of Registration

• Expedites criminal investigations in your neighborhood
• May lead to quick apprehension of criminals
• Strengthens community safety partnerships
• You always maintain control over your footage

Alarm User's Permit (Required for Monitored Systems)

Under Riverside County Ordinance No. 753, alarm systems in unincorporated areas require permits.

Who Needs a Permit?

It is unlawful to use, maintain, or possess an alarm system on premises in unincorporated Riverside County without first obtaining an Alarm User's Permit from the Sheriff.

This applies if your security camera system:

• Connects to a monitoring service
• Triggers Sheriff's Department response
• Is integrated with burglar or intrusion alarms

Application Requirements

The permit application must include:

• Address of premises where the system is located
• Applicant's name, address, and telephone number
• Type or purpose of alarm
• Contact information for 24-hour service or repairs

Equipment Standards

Under Ordinance No. 753, all alarm systems in unincorporated Riverside County must:

• Be approved by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL rated)
• Meet County Building Code requirements for electrical installations
• Include automatic reset—audible alarms must terminate within 15 minutes

False Alarm Requirements

After a false alarm response:

• Alarm users must file a written report with the Sheriff within 72 hours upon notice
• Report must include information about the activation and planned corrective action
• Audible alarms exceeding 30 minutes within one hour may be declared a nuisance

Building Permits for Camera Installations

Riverside County TLMA Building and Safety handles building permits for unincorporated areas.

When Permits Are NOT Required

• Wireless security camera installations
• Battery-powered or solar cameras
• Plug-in cameras using existing outlets
• Minor repairs to existing systems

When Permits ARE Required

Per California Building Code Section 105.1, permits are required when you intend to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical system. This includes:

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired camera systems with new wiring
• Commercial surveillance installations
• Low voltage systems requiring electrical work

How to Apply

Use PLUS Online, Riverside County's public portal for permit applications.

1. Complete the Application to Construct Worksheet (Form No. 284-500)
2. Submit through PLUS Online or at the permit counter
3. Obtain necessary clearances
4. Email permit@rivco.org with your permit number to request issuance

Owner-Builder Note

If doing work yourself and hiring assistance, you may need Workers Compensation Insurance. If working alone, sign the Owner-Builder Statement.

Contact Information

TLMA Building and Safety

• Address: 4080 Lemon St, 9th Floor, Riverside, CA 92502
• Phone: (951) 955-1800
• Website: building.rctlma.org
• Forms: building.rctlma.org/forms

Contractor Licensing Requirements

California requires proper licensing for professional security system installations.

CSLB License Types

• C-7 Low Voltage Systems: For CCTV, security systems, and communication wiring
• C-10 Electrical: For fire alarm integration and higher voltage work

Projects over $500 in labor and materials require a licensed contractor.

BSIS Requirements

Companies installing monitored security systems must hold a Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Alarm Company Operator license.

Under Ordinance No. 753, alarm businesses must also register with the Riverside County Sheriff before selling, leasing, installing, servicing, or monitoring alarm systems in unincorporated areas.

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

Fees and Timeline

Permit/Registration Type	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Security Camera Registration	Free	Immediate
Alarm User's Permit	Contact Sheriff's Office	1-2 weeks
Simple electrical permit	$75-$200	Same day to 3 days
Plan review permit	$200-$500+	5-15 business days

Note: Fees subject to change. Contact TLMA Building and Safety for current schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Installations

Homeowners in unincorporated Riverside County can typically install basic security cameras without permits if:

• No new electrical circuits are required
• Using wireless or plug-in cameras
• No structural modifications needed

California privacy laws still apply:

• Two-party consent: Audio recording requires consent from all parties
• Visible placement: Cameras should be visible in public-facing areas
• Neighbor privacy: Adjust camera angles to focus only on your property
• Disclosure: Always disclose presence of cameras to tenants, guests, or employees

Commercial Installations

Businesses face additional requirements:

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $500
• BSIS-licensed company for monitored systems
• Alarm User's Permit for monitored alarms
• Electrical permits for hardwired installations
• UL-rated equipment required under Ordinance No. 753
• Employee notification compliance (Labor Code Section 435)

Pro Tips for Riverside County Installations

1. Register with the Sheriff's Camera Program: It's free and helps keep your neighborhood safe while giving you a direct line to investigators if crimes occur.
2. Get your alarm permit first: If your system will be monitored, obtain the Alarm User's Permit before installation to avoid ordinance violations.
3. Plan for desert conditions: Much of Riverside County experiences extreme heat. Choose cameras rated for high temperatures and protect equipment from direct sun.
4. Use PLUS Online: The county's online portal streamlines permit applications and tracking.
5. Verify contractor registration: Under Ordinance No. 753, alarm businesses must register with the Sheriff. Ask for proof of registration along with BSIS and CSLB licenses.
6. Account for dust: Desert and agricultural areas have significant dust. Use weatherproof housings and schedule regular lens cleaning.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related California Permit Guides

• California Low Voltage License Requirements
• Orange County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• San Diego County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Los Angeles County Security Camera Permit Requirements

Summary

Security camera installations in unincorporated Riverside County have several considerations: basic residential setups typically don't need building permits, but monitored alarm systems require an Alarm User's Permit under Ordinance No. 753. The Sheriff's voluntary Camera Registration Program is worth joining for community safety. Commercial and hardwired installations may need permits through TLMA Building and Safety.

For permit questions, contact TLMA at (951) 955-1800. For alarm permits and camera registration, contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.