Security Camera Permit Requirements in St. Louis, Missouri

Installing security cameras in St. Louis, Missouri? This guide covers permit requirements, alarm registration, contractor licensing, and local regulations for surveillance system installations in the Gateway City.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for standalone cameras. St. Louis does not require permits specifically for simple security camera installations. However, if your cameras are connected to a monitored alarm system, you must register under St. Louis Ordinance 66264 and pay the alarm permit fee. Electrical permits may apply if wiring work beyond low-voltage is required.

What Types of Camera Installations Require Permits?

Understanding when permits are needed helps you plan your security camera project:

Typically Permit-Exempt

• Battery-powered security cameras
• Simple plug-in camera systems
• Wireless cameras with standard power adapters
• Standalone DVR/NVR recording systems
• Cameras not connected to monitored alarm systems

May Require Permits or Registration

• Cameras integrated with monitored alarm systems (alarm registration required)
• Wired surveillance systems requiring electrical work
• Systems requiring Board of Public Service review
• Commercial installations with significant electrical modifications
• Projects requiring trenching for underground cabling

St. Louis Alarm Registration Requirements

If your security cameras are part of a monitored alarm system, you must register under St. Louis Ordinance 66264:

Detail	Information
Residential Permit Fee	$25.00
Commercial Permit Fee	$50.00
Monitored Systems	Alarm company collects fee and registers via ARFAM
Unmonitored Systems	Download form and mail with payment
Renewal	Must be received within 15 days of renewal date
Payment Portal	ARFAM Payment System

Important: Non-payment of fees or excessive false alarms will result in permit suspension and denial of police response to alarm dispatches.

Do You Need a License to Install Security Cameras in Missouri?

Missouri exempts low-voltage work from electrical contractor licensing under RSMo Section 324.915. This exemption covers most security camera installations.

St. Louis does require business licensing for Alarm Installation and Monitoring Service Businesses.

For complete details on Missouri's licensing requirements, see our Missouri Low Voltage License Guide.

False Alarm Fees and Penalties

St. Louis enforces false alarm penalties through the False Alarm Fee Program:

• False alarm fines must be paid within 15 days
• Non-payment results in permit suspension
• Police response will be denied for suspended permits
• Appeals can be submitted with payment
• Paid fines are refunded if appeals are approved
• No payment extensions are granted

How to Register Your Alarm System

Monitored Systems

1. Your alarm company handles registration through the ARFAM system
2. Alarm company collects the permit fee ($25 residential / $50 commercial)
3. Do NOT send payment directly to the City
4. Confirm registration is complete with your alarm company

Unmonitored Systems

1. Download the registration form from the City website
2. Complete the form with property information
3. Mail form with payment to the City
4. Keep confirmation for your records

What Are the Fees for Security Camera Projects?

Item	Fee
Residential Alarm Permit (annual)	$25.00
Commercial Alarm Permit (annual)	$50.00
False Alarm Fine	Per ordinance schedule
Electrical Permit (if needed)	Based on project scope

Residential vs. Commercial Camera Installations

Residential Projects

Homeowners installing security cameras typically need no permits unless:

• Cameras connect to a monitored alarm system ($25 registration required)
• Significant electrical work is required
• Wired systems need Board of Public Service review

Commercial Projects

Commercial security camera installations may have additional requirements:

• Alarm registration at $50 annual fee
• Business licensing for installation companies
• Electrical permits for new circuits
• Compliance with employee privacy notifications
• Coordination with building management

Missouri Privacy Laws for Security Cameras

When installing cameras in St. Louis, be aware of Missouri privacy laws:

• Cameras cannot be placed where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy
• Prohibited areas include restrooms, changing rooms, and bedrooms
• Businesses should post notices informing people of video surveillance
• Missouri is a one-party consent state for audio recording
• Video-only systems avoid audio consent complications
• Recording someone undressed without permission is a separate offense

St. Louis Surveillance Technology Ordinance

St. Louis passed Ordinance 71842 regulating the city's use of surveillance technology. While this primarily affects city government, businesses should be aware of the regulatory environment around surveillance in the region.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Stage	Timeline
Alarm Registration (monitored)	Processed by alarm company
Alarm Registration (unmonitored)	3-5 business days
Electrical Permit (if needed)	1-5 business days
Board of Public Service Review	Varies by project

Pro Tips for St. Louis Camera Installations

• Register your alarm system to ensure police response when needed
• Pay fees on time - St. Louis grants no extensions and suspends permits for late payment
• Reduce false alarms to avoid fines and permit issues
• Post surveillance notices for commercial properties
• Avoid private areas - Never install cameras where privacy is expected
• Consider video-only to avoid audio recording consent issues
• Use weatherproof cameras rated for Missouri's variable climate
• Document your installation for warranty and insurance purposes

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for St. Louis

Looking for permit information on other low-voltage systems in St. Louis? These guides are coming soon:

• Fire Alarm Permits in St. Louis
• Access Control Permits in St. Louis
• Structured Cabling Permits in St. Louis