Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Diego County, California

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in unincorporated San Diego County generally don't require a building permit for basic residential setups. However, if your system connects to a monitored alarm, you must obtain an alarm permit from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department—a one-time fee of $176. Commercial installations requiring electrical work need permits through San Diego County Planning & Development Services.

San Diego County vs. City of San Diego

San Diego County includes both incorporated cities (like the City of San Diego, Chula Vista, and Oceanside) and unincorporated areas governed directly by the County. This guide covers the unincorporated areas under San Diego County jurisdiction.

If your property is within city limits, contact that city's permitting department. For the City of San Diego, see our San Diego City Security Camera Permit Guide.

Alarm System Permit Requirements

The most important permit requirement for security systems in unincorporated San Diego County is the Alarm System Permit from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Who Needs an Alarm Permit?

Everyone in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County who has an alarm is required to have an alarm permit. This applies if your security camera system:

• Connects to a monitoring service
• Triggers dispatch of law enforcement or emergency services
• Is integrated with a burglar or intrusion alarm

Permit Details

Item	Details
Fee	$176 (one-time)
Renewal	Not required—valid as long as you own the property
Processing	Submit through Sheriff's License Division
Contact	(858) 974-2822

Why the Permit Matters

The primary purpose is false alarm reduction. When law enforcement responds to accidental or unnecessary alarms, it diverts resources from real emergencies. With a valid permit:

• The Sheriff's office will work with you to reduce or waive fines for false alarms
• You're in compliance with County Ordinance
• You maintain good standing with local law enforcement

Without a permit: False alarm fines will not be waived or reduced.

SafeStreets Camera Registry (Voluntary)

San Diego County Sheriff offers the SafeStreets program—a voluntary camera registry for residents and businesses.

How It Works

• Cost: Free to register
• Purpose: Helps Sheriff's Office identify locations with security cameras during investigations
• Participation: Completely voluntary
• Privacy: Deputies only request footage if a crime occurs nearby—you decide whether to share

Registering doesn't grant law enforcement automatic access to your footage. It simply identifies your property as having cameras that could assist in solving neighborhood crimes.

Building Permits for Security Camera Installations

San Diego County Planning & Development Services (PDS) handles building permits for unincorporated areas.

When Permits Are NOT Required

• Wireless security camera installations
• Battery or solar-powered cameras
• Plug-in cameras using existing outlets
• Low voltage work under 25 volts that supplies less than 50 watts

When Permits ARE Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired installations requiring new wiring runs
• Commercial surveillance systems with complex electrical work
• Installations involving structural modifications

How to Apply

San Diego County provides step-by-step permit packets through their Building Division Interactive Permit Applications page.

1. Determine if your project requires a permit by calling PDS
2. Complete Building Permit Application (Form PDS 291)
3. Submit online or at PDS office
4. Pay applicable fees
5. Schedule inspection after installation

Contact Information

San Diego County Planning & Development Services

• Website: sandiegocounty.gov/pds
• Phone: (858) 694-2960
• Address: 5510 Overland Avenue, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123

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: Required 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.

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

Fees and Timeline

Permit/Fee Type	Cost	Timeline
Sheriff alarm permit	$176 (one-time)	1-2 weeks
SafeStreets registration	Free	Immediate
Simple electrical permit	$75-$200	Same day to 3 days
Plan review electrical permit	$200-$500+	5-15 business days

Note: Fees subject to change. Contact San Diego County PDS for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Installations

Homeowners in unincorporated San Diego County can typically install their own security cameras without permits if:

• No new electrical circuits are added
• The system uses wireless or plug-in cameras
• No structural modifications required

You must still comply with California privacy laws:

• Two-party consent: Audio recording requires consent from all parties
• Visible placement: Cameras should be visible in public-facing areas
• Neighbor privacy: Don't point cameras at private areas of neighboring properties
• Signage: Post notices that CCTV is in operation

Commercial Installations

Businesses face additional requirements:

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $500
• BSIS-licensed company for monitored systems
• Sheriff's alarm permit for any monitored alarm
• Proper signage notifying customers of surveillance
• Employee notification compliance (Labor Code Section 435)

Pro Tips for San Diego County Installations

1. Verify your jurisdiction: Use the County's address lookup to confirm whether you're in an unincorporated area or within city limits before applying for permits.
2. Get the alarm permit first: If your system will be monitored, obtain your Sheriff's permit before installation to avoid compliance issues later.
3. Consider SafeStreets: The free camera registry program can help your neighborhood and costs nothing to join.
4. Account for marine conditions: Coastal areas of San Diego County experience salt air corrosion. Use marine-rated enclosures for outdoor cameras.
5. Plan for sun exposure: San Diego's intense sunlight can cause lens glare and overheating. Position cameras to avoid direct sun when possible and use sunshields.
6. Verify contractor credentials: Use the BSIS license verification tool before hiring any security company.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in San Diego 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
• San Diego City Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Los Angeles Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Los Angeles County Security Camera Permit Requirements

Summary

For security camera installations in unincorporated San Diego County, the most critical requirement is the Sheriff's alarm permit ($176 one-time fee) if your system connects to monitoring services. Basic residential camera installations typically don't need building permits. Commercial projects involving electrical work require permits through County Planning & Development Services and licensed contractors.

Contact the San Diego County Sheriff's License Division at (858) 974-2822 for alarm permits or PDS at (858) 694-2960 for building permit questions.