Security Camera Permit Requirements in St. Louis County, Missouri

Installing security cameras in St. Louis County, Missouri? This guide covers everything low-voltage contractors need to know about permit requirements, licensing exemptions, and regulations for surveillance systems in the greater St. Louis metro area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone security camera installation. St. Louis County follows Missouri state law which imposes minimal regulation on security camera installations. Under RSMo § 324.915, low-voltage electrical work is exempt from state electrical licensing requirements. Battery-powered or plug-in systems don't require permits. Wired surveillance systems requiring electrical or general contracting work may need review through local building departments.

St. Louis County vs City of St. Louis

Important: St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis are separate jurisdictions with different requirements. This guide covers St. Louis County. If your project is within the City of St. Louis, different rules apply.

When Are Permits Required in St. Louis County?

Scenario	Permit Required?	Notes
Wireless or PoE camera installation	No	Low-voltage work exempt
Battery-powered cameras	No	No electrical work involved
Plug-in camera systems	No	Using existing outlets
Hardwired systems with new circuits	Yes	Electrical permit required
Historic building modifications	Possibly	Historic preservation review may apply
Pole-mounted cameras (new structures)	Possibly	Zoning review may apply

What Licensing Do Contractors Need?

Missouri's RSMo § 324.915 specifically exempts low-voltage electrical work from state electrical licensing requirements. This means security camera contractors don't need a state electrical license for:

• CCTV system installation
• IP camera and network video
• PoE camera systems
• Analog camera and DVR installation
• Video intercom systems

St. Louis County Requirements

• Business License: Register with St. Louis County Revenue Department
• Alarm License: Required if installing alarm-integrated systems (Chapter 720)
• Insurance: Maintain general liability and workers' compensation coverage

For comprehensive licensing information, see our Missouri Low-Voltage License Guide.

Alarm License Requirements

If security cameras integrate with alarm systems, St. Louis County Chapter 720 applies:

• Alarm businesses must be licensed through St. Louis County Revenue Department
• CAT Level 1 certification accepted for installers in St. Louis County
• Separate from City of St. Louis alarm requirements

Contact St. Louis County Revenue Licensing for alarm license requirements.

Missouri Video Surveillance Laws

When installing security cameras in St. Louis County, contractors and property owners should be aware of Missouri surveillance laws:

Legal Camera Placement

• Cameras are legal in public areas and areas without reasonable privacy expectations
• Private property owners can install cameras on their own property
• Cameras should NOT be placed where people have reasonable privacy expectations (bathrooms, changing rooms)

Notification Requirements

• Businesses should post notices informing people they are under video surveillance
• Clear signage recommended at entry points

Audio Recording Restrictions

Important: Secret audio recording is classified as illegal wiretapping under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 542.402. If cameras have audio recording capabilities:

• Missouri is a one-party consent state for audio
• One party to the conversation must consent to recording
• Covert audio surveillance without consent may be a felony
• Consider disabling audio or providing clear notice

How to Get Permits When Required

St. Louis County is composed of many municipalities, each with their own building departments. For projects requiring permits:

Unincorporated St. Louis County

St. Louis County Department of Public Works
Permits and Code Enforcement
41 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 615-5185
Permits Website

Incorporated Municipalities

Contact the building department of the specific municipality where work will occur. Major municipalities include:

• Clayton
• Chesterfield
• Kirkwood
• Webster Groves
• University City
• Florissant

Alarm Licensing

St. Louis County Revenue Department - Licensing
Alarm Licensing Information

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Fees vary by municipality. For unincorporated St. Louis County:

Fee Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Electrical permit (if applicable)	$50-150+	Based on project scope
Alarm business license	Varies	Annual renewal
Plan review	Varies	May be included

Timeline Expectations

• Simple projects: Same-day to 3 business days
• Complex commercial: 5-10 business days for plan review
• Inspections: Typically within 24-48 hours of request

Residential vs Commercial: Key Differences

Residential Security Cameras

Home installations in St. Louis County typically require no permits:

• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest, etc.)
• Wireless IP camera systems
• PoE camera installations
• DVR/NVR setups

Commercial Security Cameras

Business installations may have additional considerations:

• May require alarm license if integrated with alarm systems
• Multi-building campuses may need plan review
• Privacy notice posting recommended
• Data storage and retention policies needed

St. Louis County-Specific Considerations

• Multiple Municipalities: St. Louis County contains 88+ municipalities with varying requirements
• Unincorporated Areas: Contact County Public Works for permits
• Historic Districts: Many municipalities have historic preservation requirements
• HOA Restrictions: Many subdivisions have rules about visible cameras
• Chapter 720: County alarm system regulations apply if camera systems integrate with alarms

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Determine if location is in City of St. Louis, a municipality, or unincorporated county
• Check HOA rules: Many St. Louis County subdivisions restrict visible equipment
• Disable audio by default: Unless clients understand consent implications
• Consider PoE systems: Simplifies installation and avoids electrical permit questions
• Post signage: Recommend visible surveillance notices for commercial clients
• Establish data policies: Help clients set retention and access policies

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a License to Install Security Cameras in St. Louis County?

No state electrical license is required for low-voltage security camera work under Missouri RSMo § 324.915. However, if systems integrate with alarms, you may need an alarm license under St. Louis County Chapter 720.

Is St. Louis County Different from the City of St. Louis?

Yes. St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis are completely separate jurisdictions with different regulations, permits, and requirements. Verify which jurisdiction your project is in before starting work.

Do I Need to Post Surveillance Notices?

While not always legally required, Missouri law recommends businesses post notices informing people they are under video surveillance. This is a best practice for commercial installations.