Security Camera Permit Requirements in San Jose, California

Quick Answer: San Jose does not require alarm permits—one of the few major California cities without this requirement. Instead, San Jose offers "Connect San Jose," a voluntary security camera registration program that helps SJPD solve crimes. The city previously used a verified response policy for alarms but has since revoked it. Installers still need both CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licenses for California work.

When Is a Permit Required?

San Jose has a more relaxed approach to security system permits than most California cities.

Alarm Permits - NOT Required

The City of San Jose does not require alarm permits. This is notably different from neighboring cities like Santa Clara, San Diego, and Los Angeles which all mandate alarm registration.

Building/Electrical Permits

While alarm permits aren't required, electrical work may still need permits through the City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement department:

• Commercial installations with permanent wiring typically require electrical permits
• Wireless camera systems are generally exempt
• Large-scale installations may require plan review

Connect San Jose - Camera Registration Program

In April 2025, San Jose upgraded its surveillance camera registration system to Connect San Jose, a new public safety program.

Level 1: Register Your Cameras (Free)

• Registration takes less than one minute online
• No cost or additional hardware required
• Does NOT give SJPD access to your live video stream
• Enables investigators to know cameras exist at your location
• SJPD contacts you via email if they need video evidence for a nearby crime

Level 2: Integrate Your Cameras

• For businesses and residents wanting enhanced participation
• Requires a small CORE device plugged into your camera system
• Gives SJPD direct access to camera feed during nearby emergencies
• Optional—registration alone (Level 1) is sufficient for most users

Note: All data from the previous "CAM" system has been migrated to Connect San Jose.

Historical Context: Verified Response Policy

San Jose experimented with alarm policies over the years:

2011-2012 Verified Response Policy

Due to budget cuts, SJPD implemented a "verified response" strategy requiring someone to verify a break-in before police would respond. Key statistics from that period:

• Of 12,000 audible alarms in 2010, 98.4% were false alarms
• Only 2 arrests made from all alarm responses
• Cost police $662,203 in officer time
• Fine collection of $466,633 didn't cover response costs

Exceptions That Remained

Even during verified response, SJPD automatically responded to:

• Banks and ATM alarms
• Critical infrastructure
• Firearms dealers and explosives facilities
• Panic buttons and robbery alarms

Current Policy

San Jose has since revoked the verified response policy. Contact SJPD for current alarm response procedures.

Neighboring Cities - Different Requirements

Be aware that neighboring cities have alarm permit requirements:

City	Alarm Permit Required	Notes
San Jose	No	Connect San Jose voluntary registration
Santa Clara	Yes	Chapter 8.40 - False Alarm Regulation
Sunnyvale	Check with city	Contact Sunnyvale DPS
Mountain View	Check with city	Contact MVPD

In Santa Clara, failure to acquire an alarm permit is an infraction and may result in additional fees.

California Contractor Licensing Requirements

Even without alarm permits, 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.

Key Requirements:

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

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

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Electrical Permit Need

Contact the City of San Jose Planning, Building and Code Enforcement:

• Phone: (408) 535-3555
• Address: 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113
• Online: City of San Jose PBCE

Step 2: Complete Installation

Use licensed CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO contractors.

Step 3: Register with Connect San Jose (Recommended)

Register cameras at SJPD Security Camera Registration.

Step 4: Check Neighboring Jurisdictions

If working near city boundaries, verify if the property is in San Jose or a neighboring city with different requirements.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
Alarm permit	N/A - Not required	N/A
Connect San Jose registration	Free	Less than 1 minute online
Connect San Jose Level 2 (CORE device)	Contact SJPD	Optional integration
Electrical permit (if needed)	Varies by scope	Contact PBCE

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Projects

• No alarm permit required
• Connect San Jose registration recommended (free)
• Electrical permit may be needed for extensive wiring
• California two-party consent for audio recording

Commercial Projects

• No alarm permit required
• Connect San Jose Level 2 integration available for enhanced security
• Electrical permits likely required for commercial installations
• Must use CSLB C-7 and BSIS ACO licensed contractors

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 Jose Contractors

• No alarm permit advantage: San Jose is one of the few major CA cities without alarm permits—use this as a selling point for customers relocating from permit-required cities
• Promote Connect San Jose: Offer to help customers register with the free program—it adds value and builds goodwill
• Boundary awareness: San Jose borders Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and other cities with permit requirements—always verify jurisdiction
• Level 2 for businesses: Recommend CORE device integration for commercial customers wanting enhanced police coordination
• Historical context: San Jose tried and abandoned verified response—customers may have outdated information about police response policies
• Dual licensing still required: Even without permits, you need C-7 and ACO licenses to work legally in California
• Audio warning: California's two-party consent is strictly enforced—disable audio or get explicit consent

SJPD Contact Information

• Address: 201 W. Mission Street, San Jose, CA 95110
• Phone: (408) 277-8900
• Permits Unit: SJPD Permits Unit

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in San Jose 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 Guides

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

Sources

• SJPD - Security Camera Registration (Connect San Jose)
• San Jose Police Department
• SJPD Permits Unit
• BSIS - Alarm Company Operators