Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Diego, California

Quick Answer: San Diego requires alarm permits for all monitored security systems within city limits. The annual permit fee is $31, and permitted systems get 2 free false alarms per year. Critically, SDPD will refuse response to unpermitted alarm sites. San Diego also has a Surveillance Technology Ordinance (effective 9-9-2022) governing camera use. Installers need both CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licenses.

When Is a Permit Required?

San Diego has specific requirements for both building permits and alarm permits related to security camera installations.

Building/Electrical Permit

Contact the City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) to determine if your installation requires an electrical permit:

• Commercial installations with permanent wiring typically require permits
• Wireless camera systems are generally exempt
• Residential installations may be exempt for basic setups

Alarm System Permit - Required

Per San Diego Municipal Code, everyone operating an alarm system inside city limits must register with the San Diego Police False Alarm Program. This applies to:

• Burglary alarm systems
• Robbery alarm systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Harmful gas alarm systems
• Any mechanical or electrical device detecting unauthorized entry

San Diego City Alarm Permit

Permit Fees

Item	Cost
Annual alarm permit	$31

How to Apply

• Online: SDPD Alarm Permits Portal
• Download: Alarm User Permit Application
• Mail: P.O. Box 121431, MS 735; San Diego, CA 92112 (payable to "City Treasurer")
• In Person: San Diego Police Department, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (E Street front counter, Mon-Thu 8am-3:30pm)

False Alarm Fees and Penalties

San Diego has a tiered false alarm penalty system based on permit status.

Permitted Systems

False Alarms (Per Calendar Year)	Fee
1-2 false alarms	No charge
3+ false alarms	Escalating penalties + cost recovery

Non-Permitted Systems - Critical Warning

SDPD will refuse police response to any alarm notification from an alarm site without a valid permit.

For unpermitted addresses:

• All false alarm responses considered excessive
• Escalating penalties plus full cost recovery
• Fines will not be waived or reduced for non-compliance

Cost Recovery

False alarm fees are based on actual costs incurred by the City, including equipment, officer salary, and administrative costs per SDMC Section 36.505.

Appeal Process

You have 10 calendar days from receiving a revocation letter to request a hearing. Failure to submit terminates your right to contest per Chapter 3, Article 3, Division 5 of the San Diego Municipal Code.

San Diego County (Unincorporated Areas)

If your project is in unincorporated San Diego County (Sheriff's jurisdiction), different rules apply:

Item	Cost/Requirement
Permit fee	$176 (one-time, no renewal required)
False alarm threshold	More than 2 false alarms in 6 months triggers fees

Apply through the San Diego County Sheriff Alarm System Permit page.

Surveillance Technology Ordinance

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article 10 establishes the "Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology" ordinance (effective 9-9-2022). This includes an approval process for surveillance technology use.

Commercial and government installations may need to comply with additional disclosure and approval requirements under this ordinance.

California Contractor Licensing Requirements

California requires dual licensing for security camera installers.

CSLB C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor License

The California Contractors State License Board requires a C-7 license to install, service, and maintain low-voltage systems including surveillance cameras.

BSIS Alarm Company Operator (ACO) License

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires an ACO license to install and service burglar alarms under the California Alarm Company Act.

Key Requirements:

• DOJ and FBI background check
• In-state California address required
• $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance (for LLCs)
• 2-year license duration

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

Verify whether the property is in:

• City of San Diego (SDPD jurisdiction) - $31/year permit
• Unincorporated San Diego County (Sheriff jurisdiction) - $176 one-time permit

Step 2: Obtain Building Permit (if required)

Contact DSD for commercial or complex installations.

Step 3: Complete Installation

Use licensed C-7 and ACO contractors.

Step 4: Register Alarm System

• City: SDPD Alarm Permits
• County: Sheriff Alarm Permit

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
City alarm permit (annual)	$31	Online, immediate
County alarm permit (one-time)	$176	One-time, no renewal
False alarm (permitted, 3+)	Cost recovery + penalty	Billed after incident
False alarm (unpermitted)	Full cost recovery + penalties	No response may occur
Electrical permit	Varies by scope	Contact DSD

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• Alarm permit required ($31/year in city)
• 2 free false alarms per year allowed
• SDPD non-response policy for unpermitted systems
• California two-party consent for audio recording

Commercial Projects

• DSD electrical permit likely required
• Must use CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licensed contractors
• Surveillance Technology Ordinance may apply
• Alarm permit required

Important Legal Considerations

California Recording Laws

Video Recording: California permits video surveillance where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.

Audio Recording: California is a two-party consent state (Penal Code 632):

• Cannot record audio without all-party consent
• Security cameras with audio require conspicuous signage
• Violation is criminal with fines up to $2,500

Areas Where Recording Is Prohibited

• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Changing rooms and locker rooms
• Private areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Neighboring properties without consent

Pro Tips for San Diego Contractors

• Non-response policy: Always ensure customers get permitted—SDPD literally won't respond to unpermitted alarm sites
• City vs. County cost difference: City is $31/year recurring; County is $176 one-time—know which is better value for your customer
• 2 free false alarms: Permitted city systems get 2 freebies—train customers properly to stay under this threshold
• Surveillance Technology Ordinance: For larger commercial projects, verify compliance with the 2022 surveillance ordinance
• 10-day appeal window: If customers receive violation notices, they have only 10 days to appeal
• Dual licensing: Both C-7 and ACO licenses required in California—verify both are current
• Audio warning: California's two-party consent is strictly enforced—disable audio or get explicit consent

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Los Angeles Security Camera Permits
• All Permit Guides

Sources

• San Diego Police False Alarm Program
• San Diego County Sheriff - Alarm System Permit
• SDMC Section 36.505 - False Alarm Prevention Fee
• San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2 Article 10 - Surveillance Technology
• BSIS - Alarm Company Operators