Security Camera Permit Requirements in Rochester, New York

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Rochester may require permits depending on the scope of work. Under Rochester City Code, electrical work under 50 volts that falls under the National Electrical Code requires permits and inspection. Contractors installing CCTV systems as part of security monitoring must also hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License issued by the Department of State.

When Are Permits Required in Rochester?

Rochester has specific rules about low voltage electrical work that affect security camera installations:

Permits Required

• Electrical work over 50 volts
• Low voltage work (under 50 volts) covered by National Electrical Code provisions
• CCTV systems integrated with alarm monitoring
• Commercial security camera installations
• Systems requiring new electrical circuits

Permits May Not Be Required

• Battery-operated wireless cameras
• Simple plug-and-play IP camera systems
• Homeowner self-installations on their own property
• Replacing existing cameras without new wiring

Contact the City of Rochester Permits and Licenses Office at (585) 428-6520 to confirm requirements for your specific project.

New York State Contractor Licensing

Beyond local permits, state licensing is required for contractors installing surveillance as part of security systems.

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

Under NYS regulation 19 NYCRR 195.2, a license from the New York State Department of State is required for installing CCTV systems used for:

• Detection or monitoring of intrusion
• Break-in detection
• Theft monitoring
• Movement detection
• Sound or fire detection

When a License Is NOT Required

• Standalone cameras not part of a monitored security system
• Property owners installing systems on their own property
• Employees working under a licensed installer with proper identification
• Battery-operated smoke detection devices
• Conduits and associated wires only

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved training
Background Check	Required before license issuance
Application Fee	$185-$200
License Term	2 years

Penalty for unlicensed work: Up to $10,000 in fines for installing security systems without proper NYS licensing.

Rochester Electrical Licensing Requirements

Rochester has its own electrical licensing ordinance that may apply to security camera installations:

City Electrical License

The Rochester Department of Licensed Trades handles licensing for building professionals including electrical contractors. Key points:

• All electrical professionals operating in Rochester must obtain appropriate city license
• Wiring under 50 volts covered by NEC falls under the electrical licensing ordinance
• License applications, payments, and renewals can be done online

Permit vs. License Distinction

Remember the difference:

• License: Authorizes you to perform certain types of work (required before pulling permits)
• Permit: Authorizes specific work on a specific project (required before starting work)

Rochester Permit Application Process

Contact Information

Office	Details
Permits and Licenses Office	(585) 428-6520
Department	Neighborhood and Business Development
Payment	City Treasurer, in person or digital portal
Website	cityofrochester.gov/permitsandlicenses

Application Steps

1. Verify you hold required licenses (state and/or local)
2. Submit permit application to Department of Neighborhood and Business Development
3. Pay applicable fees to City Treasurer
4. Complete installation per approved scope
5. Request inspection before closing up work
6. Obtain inspection approval

Inspections

All electrical installations require permit and inspection approval by the City of Rochester or designated inspection agencies.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
NYS Security Installer License	$185-$200	4-8 weeks (including training)
Rochester Electrical Permit	Per city fee schedule	1-5 business days
Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule after installation

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

Homeowners in Rochester have flexibility when installing cameras on their property:

• No state license required for self-installation
• Simple wireless systems typically do not require permits
• New York is a one-party consent state for audio recording
• Cameras cannot be pointed at areas where neighbors have reasonable privacy expectation

Commercial Installations

Businesses face additional requirements:

• Employee notification required: Under NY Labor Law Section 203-C, employers must post notice of video monitoring
• Written employee acknowledgment required
• Cameras prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas
• Penalties: $500 first offense, $1,000 second, $3,000+ subsequent violations
• Contractor must be NYS licensed if cameras are part of security system

Monroe County Considerations

Rochester is in Monroe County. While most permitting is handled at the city level:

• Projects outside Rochester city limits may have different requirements
• Check with Monroe County for unincorporated areas
• Monroe County posts bid and RFP opportunities for contractors every Friday at monroecounty.gov/purch-doingbusiness

Privacy and Legal Considerations

Recording Laws in New York

• One-party consent: New York allows recording conversations if at least one party consents
• You can record if you are a participant or have prior consent from one involved party
• Criminal penalties apply for recording without proper consent

Camera Placement

• No specific criminal laws for exterior residential cameras
• Avoid pointing cameras at neighbor windows or private outdoor spaces
• Public areas generally may be recorded
• Some municipalities may have registration requirements for cameras

Pro Tips from Experienced Installers

• Call the permit office first: Rochester has specific rules about low voltage work under 50 volts. A quick call to (585) 428-6520 can clarify your requirements.
• Verify your state license status: If your cameras will be part of a monitored security system, you need the NYS alarm installer license before starting work.
• Keep work accessible: Rochester requires all electrical installations to be inspected. Do not close up walls before inspection.
• Document employee notifications: For commercial projects, keep records of employee notifications about surveillance. This is a legal requirement.
• Check city licensing requirements: Rochester may require additional city-level licensing beyond the state alarm installer license for certain contractors.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Buffalo, NY
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in New York City
• Browse All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Rochester - Permits and Licenses
• City of Rochester - Licensed Trades
• City of Rochester - Electrical Licensing Ordinance
• Kirschenbaum - CCTV License Requirements for NYS