Security Camera Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, Maryland

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Silver Spring require a low voltage electrical permit from Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Silver Spring is an unincorporated area within Montgomery County, so county permits apply. No contractor license is required to pull a low voltage permit, but commercial security system installers must hold a Maryland State Police Security Systems Agency License.

When Is a Permit Required for Security Cameras in Silver Spring?

Montgomery County classifies CCTV and video surveillance as low voltage electrical work since these systems operate at 50 volts or less. The permitting requirements depend on the scope of installation.

Permit Required:

• New hardwired security camera installations
• Running new low voltage cable through walls, ceilings, or conduit
• Installing network video recorders (NVRs) with new wiring
• Commercial surveillance systems with multiple cameras
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera installations requiring new cabling
• Integration with existing building systems (access control, alarms)

Permit Typically NOT Required:

• Plug-in wireless cameras (Ring, Arlo, Nest) that don't require new wiring
• Battery-powered outdoor cameras
• Replacing existing cameras on the same wiring
• Camera repositioning without new cable runs
• Software or firmware updates to existing systems

Important: When in doubt, contact Montgomery County DPS at 240-777-0311 before starting work. Installing hardwired cameras without required permits can result in fines and mandatory removal.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Security camera installation in Maryland involves two separate licensing considerations: electrical permits and security system business licensing.

Low Voltage Permit (No License Required)

For the low voltage electrical permit itself:

• No license is required to apply for a low voltage permit in Montgomery County
• Work must remain at or below 50 volts (most CCTV systems qualify)
• Homeowners can apply for their own permits

Security Systems Agency License (State Requirement)

The Maryland State Police requires a Security Systems Agency License for any company engaged in the business of providing security systems services. This applies to commercial security camera installers.

Requirements:

• Background check: Livescan fingerprints submitted to Maryland CJIS and FBI
• Insurance: Fidelity bond or commercial general liability insurance of at least $50,000
• Character references: Two recommendations signed under oath by reputable citizens
• Maryland office: Must maintain an office in the state with proper records
• Photograph: Color passport-style photo uploaded to the licensing portal

Applications are processed through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal.

For detailed Maryland contractor licensing information, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Security Camera Permit in Montgomery County

All low voltage electrical permits must be applied for online through the Montgomery County DPS ePermits system.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Create an account on the Montgomery County DPS ePermits portal
2. Select "Electrical Permit" from the available permit types
3. Choose "Low Voltage" as the work category
4. Leave parent permit blank - For low voltage only work, leave the "Application # of the Parent Permit" field blank
5. Enter the property address - Manually enter in the "Location of Work" fields
6. Describe the scope of work - Include number of cameras, NVR location, and cable pathways
7. Upload required documents - Site plan showing camera locations if requested
8. Pay the permit fee electronically
9. Schedule inspections once work is complete

Important Jurisdiction Note:

Silver Spring is in Montgomery County's jurisdiction. Nearby City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg process their own permits separately. Verify your property's jurisdiction using the Maryland SDAT Real Property Search before applying.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Base Electrical Permit Fee	$90 minimum	For residential (1-2 family dwellings)
Equipment/Work Fee	Varies	Based on scope - see fee schedule
Commercial Projects	Higher	Fee increases with project complexity
Inspection Fee	Included	One inspection included

Processing Timeline:

• Permit Review: 3-5 business days for typical low voltage permits
• Permit Validity: 1 year from issue date
• Inspection Scheduling: Available within 48-72 hours of request
• Extension Requests: Must be submitted before permit expiration

Montgomery County Security Camera Rebate Program

Montgomery County offers a Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program that provides rebates for security camera installations. This is separate from the permit process but worth knowing about for your customers.

Program Details:

• Eligibility: All locations within Montgomery County (expanded countywide)
• Rebate amount: Up to $250 per camera (cost of camera only, not installation)
• Residential limit: 1 camera per qualifying residence
• Business limit: Up to 5 cameras per qualifying business or nonprofit
• Purchase date: Cameras must be purchased on or after November 15, 2023

Technical Requirements:

• Cameras must be installed on the exterior of the building
• Must be weatherproof
• Must retain video footage for at least 7 days
• Must meet minimum technical specifications on the MCPD website
• Applicants must provide make, model, and serial number

Installation Verification:

• If installed by a licensed security business, the business certifies the installation with photographic evidence
• If self-installed, a police officer will conduct an on-site verification visit

Contact: 240-773-6120 or pol.camera.rebate@montgomerycountymd.gov

Maryland Surveillance Laws

Understanding Maryland's privacy laws is essential for security camera installers:

Legal Requirements:

• Hidden cameras prohibited in places where people expect privacy (bathrooms, dressing rooms)
• Consent required for recording in private residences or private places
• Audio recording: Maryland is a two-party consent state - all parties must consent to audio recording
• Exterior cameras: Generally permitted on your own property facing public areas

Best Practices:

• Post visible signage indicating video surveillance is in use
• Avoid pointing cameras at neighboring properties or into private areas
• If cameras have audio capability, either disable it or ensure proper consent
• Consult with legal counsel for sensitive installations

Residential vs. Commercial Security Cameras

Residential Projects

• Minimum permit fee of $90
• Simpler permit application process
• Homeowners may apply for their own permit
• Common installations: doorbell cameras, outdoor IP cameras, garage/driveway monitoring
• Rebate eligible through MCPD program

Commercial Projects

• Higher permit fees based on scope
• Installer must hold Maryland State Police Security Systems Agency License
• May require detailed site plans and camera specifications
• Often involves NVR/DVR installations in secure locations
• May require coordination with IT for network integration
• Rebate eligible (up to 5 cameras) through MCPD program

Pro Tips for Security Camera Contractors

Based on experience installing surveillance systems across Montgomery County, here are tips that prevent problems:

1. Get Your MSP License First

If you're doing commercial security camera work in Maryland, the State Police Security Systems Agency License is non-negotiable. Get this sorted before taking on business clients.

2. Document Camera Placements

Before installation, create a camera placement diagram. This helps with permit applications and ensures customers approve angles before you drill holes.

3. Plan for Network Requirements

IP cameras need network capacity. Discuss bandwidth requirements with the customer's IT team before assuming you can just add 16 cameras to their existing network.

4. Tell Customers About the Rebate

Montgomery County's rebate program is a great selling point. Help residential customers apply - it makes your service more valuable and can help justify the installation cost.

5. Test Before Closing Walls

Always verify camera functionality, angles, and image quality before finishing the installation. Repositioning after drywall repair is expensive and frustrating.

6. Weatherproofing Matters

Silver Spring gets real weather. Ensure all exterior cameras and connections are properly weatherproofed. Cheap installs fail when water gets in.

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

• Address: 101 Monroe St, 9th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
• Phone: 240-777-0311 (or 311 within Montgomery County)
• Electrical/Mechanical Email: dps.emd@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Online Portal: permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov

Maryland State Police Licensing Division

• Security Systems Agency Licensing: MSP Licensing Portal

Montgomery County Police - Camera Rebate Program

• Phone: 240-773-6120
• Email: pol.camera.rebate@montgomerycountymd.gov
• Website: MCPD Camera Rebate Program

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Maryland Low Voltage License Requirements
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Baltimore, Maryland
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Germantown, Maryland

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements and rebate programs change. Always verify current requirements with Montgomery County DPS before starting work.