Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Quick Answer: San Antonio does not require a building permit specifically for security camera installation. However, if your system includes burglar, panic, or fire alarm functions that dial to SAPD, you must obtain an alarm permit within 12 hours of installation. All installers must hold a valid Texas PSB Class B Security Contractor License.

San Antonio takes a relatively straightforward approach to security camera regulation. Here's what contractors and business owners need to know.

When Is a Permit Required?

Security Cameras Only: No Permit Required

If you're installing a standalone video surveillance system without alarm monitoring that contacts police, San Antonio does not require a permit for the camera installation itself.

You still need:

• Texas PSB Class B License - State requirement for all security camera installers
• Valid insurance and business registration

Systems with Alarm Functions: Permit Required

If your security system includes burglar, panic, or fire alarms that transmit automatic notifications to SAPD, you must obtain an alarm permit.

Critical: Permits must be secured within 12 hours of system installation completion.

San Antonio Alarm Permit Requirements

Who Needs a Permit?

All residents and businesses operating burglar, panic, and/or fire alarm systems within San Antonio city limits that are programmed to transmit automatic alarm notifications directly to SAPD must obtain permits.

Permit Rules

• One permit per system - Each alarm system requires a separate permit
• Residential: One permit covers both fire and police alarms
• Commercial: Separate permits required for each alarm type (burglary, fire, panic)
• Non-transferable - Permits cannot be transferred between persons, premises, or systems

Application Process

As of October 17, 2024, permit administration transferred to PMAM Corporation, which now handles:

• Permit issuance
• Renewals
• Fee collection

Where to Apply:
San Antonio Police Department Alarms Investigation Office
315 S. Santa Rosa St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 1-844-392-6325
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Alarm Permit Fees

Permitted Systems (Per 12-Month Period)

Alarm Type	False Alarms	Fee
Burglar	1-3	No fee
Burglar	4-5	$50
Burglar	6+	Escalating fees
Robbery/Panic	1st	$200
Robbery/Panic	2nd+	$200-$500
Fire	Per occurrence	$125-$500

Unpermitted System Penalties

Operating without a permit results in significantly higher fees:

System Type	Unpermitted False Alarm Fee
Residential/Commercial Burglary	$250
Commercial Robbery	$500
Senior Residential	$75
Fire Alarms	$250 ($125 senior)

Pro Tip: Get your permit before activation. Unpermitted false alarm fees are substantially higher than permitted system fees.

No Mandatory Camera Ordinance

Unlike Houston (which requires cameras for bars, nightclubs, convenience stores, and game rooms) or Dallas (convenience store ordinance), San Antonio does not have a mandatory security camera ordinance requiring specific businesses to install surveillance systems.

Businesses choose whether to install cameras based on security needs rather than legal mandate.

Texas PSB Licensing Requirements

All security camera installers in San Antonio (and Texas) must hold a valid Private Security Bureau license.

License Classifications

• Class A: Investigations company license
• Class B: Security services contractor license (required for cameras, alarms, CCTV)
• Class C: Covers both Class A and Class B operations

Requirements to Get Licensed

1. Pass two exams: Technical exam and Texas code exam
2. Pass the Certified Alarm Technician Level I exam (for installers)
3. Submit application to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
4. Processing time: 6-8 weeks
5. Renewal: Annual

→ See our complete guide: Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Fee	Timeline
San Antonio Alarm Permit	Based on false alarm history	Within 12 hours of install
Unpermitted False Alarm (Burglary)	$250	Per occurrence
PSB Class B License Application	~$400-700	6-8 weeks
PSB License Renewal	~$200-300	Annual

Fees subject to change. Verify with SAPD Alarms Investigation Office and Texas DPS.

Pro Tips

Based on contractor experience in the San Antonio market:

• 12-hour deadline is real - Don't delay permit application after installation. The clock starts when the system is complete.
• False alarms cost money - San Antonio's fee structure escalates quickly. Train customers thoroughly on system use.
• Commercial = multiple permits - Unlike residential, commercial properties need separate permits for each alarm type.
• PMAM transition - Permit administration moved to PMAM Corporation in October 2024. Update your contacts.
• Simpler than Houston - No mandatory camera requirements for bars/restaurants, which simplifies compliance for most commercial clients.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• San Antonio Police Department Alarm Permits
• Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas

Last updated: January 2025. Information verified against official sources. Requirements change—always confirm with SAPD Alarms Investigation Office and the Texas PSB before starting work.