Security Camera Permit Requirements in Suffolk County, New York

Quick Answer: Suffolk County requires alarm system registration through the Suffolk County Police Department if your security cameras connect to monitoring ($50 residential/$100 commercial every 2 years). You'll need a NYS Security Alarm Installer License plus Suffolk County may require a Low Voltage License for CCTV work. Building permits are required for installations involving wiring through walls.

When Is a Permit Required?

Security camera installations in Suffolk County involve multiple permit considerations:

Suffolk County Police Alarm Registration

Required if your security camera system:

• Connects to central station monitoring
• Triggers police response on alarm
• Includes intrusion detection features
• Is part of a broader security system

Building Permits

Generally required for:

• Running wiring through walls or attics
• Commercial CCTV installations
• New construction camera rough-in
• Penetrating fire-rated assemblies

Permit Exemptions

You may not need permits for:

• Wireless security cameras
• Battery-powered standalone cameras
• Surface-mounted cameras using existing power
• Simple residential cameras without monitoring

Important: The alarm permit law began June 1, 2016. Registration is mandatory for monitored systems within the Suffolk County Police District.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Suffolk County has specific licensing requirements for security camera installations:

Required Licenses

Suffolk County views CCTV installation as requiring:

• NYS Security and Fire Alarm Installers License (state requirement)
• Suffolk County Low Voltage License (local requirement for non-monitored systems)
• OR Master Electricians License for the County

Work Experience Requirement

For the Suffolk County Low Voltage License, you must demonstrate work experience in the trade for 2 of the last 5 years, proven by W2 or equivalent documentation.

Systems Covered

The Suffolk County Low Voltage License covers:

• CCTV systems
• Intercom systems
• Network wiring
• Telephone and internet broadband
• Low voltage wiring for central VAC systems

For complete state licensing information, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Suffolk County Police Alarm Registration

Who Must Register

Registration is required within the Suffolk County Police District, which includes five western townships:

• Babylon
• Brookhaven
• Huntington
• Islip
• Smithtown

Who Should NOT Register with Suffolk County

Do NOT register if your location is within:

Villages with own police:

• Village of Asharoken
• Village of Huntington Bay
• Village of Lloyd Harbor
• Village of Northport
• Village of Amityville
• Village of Head of the Harbor
• Village of Nissequogue
• Village of Ocean Beach

East End Townships:

• East Hampton
• Shelter Island
• Southampton
• Southold
• Riverhead

Contact those jurisdictions directly for their alarm registration requirements.

Registration Fees

Type	Initial Fee	Biennial Renewal
Residential	$50	$50
Residential (70+ years)	$50	$25
Commercial	$100	$100

How to Register

Suffolk County Police - Alarm Management Program
Phone: (631) 852-5276
Online: Suffolk County Police Alarm Program

False Alarm Policy

• Unregistered locations: Fined on first false alarm
• Registered locations: 2 false alarms allowed
• After 2 false alarms: $100 residential / $150 commercial
• Subsequent false alarms: Fines rise sharply

Permit Renewal

• Permits expire every 2 years
• Department notifies 60 days before expiration
• $10 late fee if not renewed by expiration date
• After 30 days past expiration, permit is void—new permit required

Building Permit Process

Suffolk County contains multiple townships and villages with separate building departments. Contact your local jurisdiction:

Major Townships

• Town of Babylon Building Department
• Town of Brookhaven Building Division
• Town of Huntington Building Department
• Town of Islip Building Division
• Town of Smithtown Building Department

East End Townships

• Town of Southampton Building Department
• Town of East Hampton Building Department
• Town of Riverhead Building Department
• Town of Southold Building Department

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Frequency
Alarm registration (residential)	$50	Every 2 years
Alarm registration (commercial)	$100	Every 2 years
Building permit	Varies by township	Per project
Late renewal fee	$10	If past due

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

For homes in Suffolk County:

• Alarm registration required if monitored
• Building permit for wiring through walls
• Wireless cameras typically permit-exempt
• Privacy laws apply—no cameras in bathrooms
• Lower registration fees and false alarm thresholds

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Suffolk County Low Voltage License for CCTV
• Alarm registration with Suffolk County PD
• Building permits likely required
• Higher fees ($100 initial, $100 renewal)
• Stricter false alarm penalties ($150)

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Know your coverage area. Suffolk County is split between the Police District (5 western towns) and East End/village jurisdictions. Verify which police department responds before advising on alarm registration.

2. Suffolk County requires dual licensing. Unlike some areas, Suffolk County requires the Low Voltage License for CCTV work even if you have the NYS Alarm Installer License, unless the system is "off-premise monitored." Verify your license coverage before bidding.

3. Register before testing. Unregistered systems face fines on the first false alarm. Complete alarm registration before system commissioning and testing.

4. Track renewal dates carefully. Permits expire after 2 years. After 30 days past expiration, the permit is voided and you'll need to register as a new system. Set calendar reminders.

5. Document the W2 work experience. The Suffolk County Low Voltage License requires proof of 2 years work experience in the last 5 years. Keep W2s and employment records organized for license applications.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Suffolk County Police Alarm Management Program
• Suffolk County Alarm Code
• Suffolk County Register or Apply

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change—always verify with Suffolk County Police and your local building department before beginning work.