Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Francisco, California
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San Francisco security camera permit guide covering alarm license requirements, false alarm fees up to $350 for unregistered systems, and California licensing.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Francisco, California
Quick Answer: San Francisco requires alarm licenses for all alarm sites (residential and business). Unregistered systems face a $100 non-licensed penalty PLUS $250 per false alarm. Registered systems get one free false alarm per year, then escalating fees from $100-$250. The city also passed a Public Safety Camera Ordinance in 2024 governing surveillance. Installers need both CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licenses.
When Is a Permit Required?
San Francisco has specific requirements under Article 37: Police Emergency Alarm Ordinance.
Alarm License - Required
Every alarm site (residential and business) in San Francisco is required to have an alarm license.
- If you have an alarm monitoring service, they will register the alarm license for you
- If you do not have monitoring, you must complete the Alarm License/Renewal Application within 5 days of installation
Building/Electrical Permits
Contact the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI) for electrical permit requirements on complex installations.
San Francisco Alarm License Fees
Apply through the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector.
Registration
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Alarm license (annual) | Contact SF Treasurer |
Where to Apply
Mail payment and application to:
San Francisco Tax Collector
Alarm License Unit
P.O. Box 7427
San Francisco, CA 94120-7427
Email: alarm.program@sfgov.org
Exemptions
Exempt from registration fees:
- Federal government properties
- State of California properties
- Political subdivisions or agencies
- City and County of San Francisco, including public schools
False Alarm Fee Structure
A false alarm is defined as an alarm dispatch where responding officers find no evidence of criminal offense after investigation.
Registered Alarm Sites
| False Alarm (Per Calendar Year) | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1st false alarm | No penalty |
| 2nd false alarm | $100 |
| 3rd false alarm | $150 |
| 4th false alarm | $200 |
| 5+ false alarms | $250 each |
Unregistered Alarm Sites - Severe Penalties
| Penalty Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Non-licensed alarm penalty | $100 |
| Non-licensed false alarm fee (per incident) | $250 |
| Total per false alarm (unregistered) | $350 |
Fire Alarm False Alarm Fees (Separate)
| False Fire Alarms (Per Calendar Year) | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st - 2nd false alarm | No charge |
| 3rd - 5th false alarm | $250 each |
| 6+ false alarms | $500 each |
Waiver Option
If you can prove you timely paid registration to your alarm company, the $100 non-licensed penalty and $250 false alarm fee may be waived. Submit an Alarm Penalty Waiver Form.
Appeals Process
You have 15 days from the invoice date to file an Appeal of Alarm Fee Assessment, Penalty, or License Revocation.
Public Safety Camera Ordinance
San Francisco passed a Public Safety Camera Ordinance in 2024 governing city surveillance systems installed in public areas.
Public Safety Cameras are defined as digital recording surveillance systems installed at fixed locations in an open and obvious manner to record public streets, sidewalks, or common areas of public housing complexes.
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 for low-voltage system installations.
BSIS Alarm Company Operator (ACO) License
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires an ACO license to install and service burglar alarms.
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.
SFPD Permits Unit Contact
- Address: 1245 3rd Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Phone: (415) 553-1115
- Fax: (415) 575-6095
- Website: SFPD Permits
Application Process
Step 1: Determine Electrical Permit Need
Contact SF Department of Building Inspection for commercial or complex installations.
Step 2: Complete Installation
Use licensed CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO contractors.
Step 3: Register Alarm System
- If using monitoring service: They register for you
- If self-monitoring: Complete application within 5 days of installation
- Mail to SF Tax Collector Alarm License Unit
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm license | Contact SF Treasurer | Within 5 days of installation |
| False alarm (registered, 2nd) | $100 | Billed after incident |
| False alarm (unregistered) | $350 | $100 penalty + $250 fee |
| Fire false alarm (3rd-5th) | $250 | Billed after incident |
| Appeal deadline | N/A | 15 days from invoice |
Residential vs. Commercial Installations
Residential Projects
- Alarm license required
- Monitoring company typically handles registration
- 1 free false alarm per year
- California two-party consent for audio recording
Commercial Projects
- Alarm license required
- Electrical permits likely needed for extensive wiring
- Must use CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licensed contractors
- Cannabis businesses have additional security plan requirements
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 Francisco Contractors
- $350 unregistered penalty: Always ensure registration is complete—unregistered systems pay $100 penalty PLUS $250 per false alarm
- Monitoring companies register: If customer uses monitoring, confirm the company handles registration
- 5-day deadline: Self-monitored systems must register within 5 days of installation—don't miss this window
- 15-day appeal window: Customers have only 15 days to appeal false alarm fees from invoice date
- Fire vs. police separate: Fire alarm fees are separate from police alarm fees—educate customers on both
- 2024 Camera Ordinance: Be aware of the new Public Safety Camera Ordinance for projects involving city property
- Cannabis businesses: Special security plan requirements in consultation with SFPD
- Audio warning: California two-party consent is strictly enforced—disable audio or get explicit consent
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in San Francisco before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Guides
- California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
- Los Angeles Security Camera Permits
- San Diego Security Camera Permits
- San Jose Security Camera Permits
- All Permit Guides
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