Security Camera Permit Requirements in Shawnee County, Kansas

Installing security cameras in Shawnee County requires understanding the distinction between permit requirements and alarm licensing—especially if you're working within the City of Topeka. This guide covers everything low-voltage contractors need to know about surveillance system installations in the Topeka metropolitan area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone cameras. Security camera installations operating on low voltage (under 50V) typically do not require electrical permits in Shawnee County. However, if your camera system connects to alarm monitoring, you must obtain an alarm company license and individual agent licenses through the Topeka Police Department before installing within city limits.

What Is Considered Security Camera Work?

Security camera installations in Shawnee County include:

• IP camera systems with PoE (Power over Ethernet)
• Analog CCTV with coaxial cabling
• Wireless security camera systems
• Video doorbells and entrance cameras
• DVR and NVR recording systems
• Commercial surveillance with remote monitoring
• License plate recognition (LPR) cameras

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras?

Shawnee County and the City of Topeka follow standard low-voltage exemptions:

Permits Generally Required:

• Electrical circuits above 50 volts for equipment power
• Dedicated 120V outlets for DVR/NVR systems
• Conduit installations through structural elements
• Work involving fire-rated wall penetrations
• Pole-mounted cameras requiring foundation work

Generally Exempt (Low-Voltage):

• PoE camera installations (under 50V)
• Wireless camera systems
• Battery-powered cameras
• Surface-mounted equipment
• Cat5e/Cat6 cable runs for IP cameras
• Coaxial cable for analog systems

What Are the Alarm Licensing Requirements in Topeka?

If your security camera system includes alarm monitoring features, you must comply with Topeka's alarm licensing ordinance. This is a critical distinction that affects many modern surveillance installations.

Company License Requirements

Companies installing or monitoring alarm systems in Topeka must:

• Obtain an alarm company license from the Topeka Police Department
• Pay $300 license fee for new alarm companies
• Submit $57 per company officer for KBI background check and fingerprinting
• Pass background checks for all officers (CEO, president, VP, etc.)

Individual Agent Requirements

Each alarm installer and sales agent must:

• Obtain individual alarm agent license
• Pay $57 for KBI background check and fingerprinting
• Hold Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) Level 1 certification
• Pass background investigation

Contact for Alarm Licensing

• Coordinator: Melody Lewis, Alarm Licensing Coordinator
• Email: mlewis@topeka.org
• Phone: (785) 368-9039
• Address: 320 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66603
• Municipal Code: Topeka Municipal Code 5.15

For complete information on Kansas licensing requirements, see our Kansas Low-Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Building Permit When Required?

For projects requiring electrical permits in Shawnee County:

1. Contact Planning Department: Determine specific requirements for your project
2. Submit Application: Complete permit forms with project details
3. Provide Plans: Include equipment locations and wiring diagrams
4. Pay Fees: Permit fees vary by project scope
5. Schedule Inspections: Arrange inspection upon completion

Shawnee County Contact Information

• Address: 1515 Northwest Saline Street, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66618
• Phone: (785) 251-5410
• Website: Shawnee County Permits

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Item	Fee	Timeline
Alarm company license (Topeka)	$300	2-4 weeks
KBI background check (per person)	$57	1-2 weeks
Alarm agent license	Included with background	Upon approval
Electrical permit (when required)	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
CAT Level 1 certification	~$200-300	Self-paced course

Residential vs. Commercial Security Cameras

Residential Projects

• Homeowner-installed cameras do not require licensing
• Professional installations typically permit-exempt if low-voltage only
• Monitored systems may require alarm registration by homeowner
• Privacy considerations apply—no recording in areas with reasonable privacy expectation

Commercial Projects

• Alarm licensing required if system includes monitoring
• CAT Level 1 certification required for installers in Topeka
• May require plan review for larger installations
• Dedicated power circuits need electrical permit
• Employee notification requirements may apply

Kansas Privacy Laws for Security Cameras

Kansas applies the "reasonable expectation of privacy" principle:

• Cameras may not record in areas where privacy is expected (bathrooms, changing rooms)
• Hidden cameras require consent in private spaces
• Audio recording requires one-party consent (Kansas is a one-party consent state)
• Workplace cameras should be disclosed to employees
• Cameras pointing at neighboring properties may create liability

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Clarify Monitoring Scope: Determine upfront if the system will have alarm monitoring—it changes licensing requirements entirely
• Get CAT Certified: Even if not strictly required, CAT Level 1 certification demonstrates professionalism and is required in Topeka
• Document Everything: Keep copies of all licenses, background check clearances, and certifications in your vehicle
• Budget for KBI Fees: At $57 per person, background checks add up for larger teams
• Contact Melody Lewis: The Topeka alarm licensing coordinator is responsive and helpful for new companies
• Unincorporated Areas: Projects outside Topeka city limits may not require alarm licensing—verify jurisdiction

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Additional Resources

• Topeka Police Department - Alarm Licensing
• Topeka Municipal Code Chapter 5.15 - Alarm Systems
• Shawnee County Permits
• ESA Kansas Certifications (CAT Level 1)