Security Camera Permit Requirements in Summit County, Ohio

Quick Answer: Security camera installations in Summit County, Ohio generally do not require permits for standalone low-voltage systems. Electrical permits may be needed for systems requiring new circuits. Requirements vary across the county's municipalities including Akron. Always verify with the specific jurisdiction where your project is located.

When Is a Security Camera Permit Required?

Summit County municipalities typically require permits for security camera work in these situations:

• Installation of new electrical circuits (120V+) for camera equipment
• Exterior mounting requiring structural modifications
• Pole or mast installations exceeding height limits
• Systems integrated with monitored alarm systems (registration may be required)
• Commercial installations as part of new construction permits

Critical Jurisdiction Note

Important: Summit County contains multiple municipalities including Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, and Hudson. Each has its own building department with potentially different requirements. Unincorporated areas fall under Summit County Building Standards. Verify your project location before applying for permits.

Typically Exempt Work

Most standalone security camera installations are exempt:

• Low-voltage camera systems (under 50 volts)
• PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera installations
• Wireless camera systems
• Surface-mounted cameras without structural modifications
• Like-for-like camera replacements

Ohio Contractor Licensing Requirements

Ohio has favorable regulations for security camera installers:

Low-Voltage Exemption

Under Ohio law, low-voltage work (under 50 volts) is exempt from electrical licensing. This covers most security camera installations:

• PoE cameras and NVRs
• 12V/24V analog systems
• Low-voltage power supplies
• Network infrastructure

When Electrical License Is Required

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) requires licensing for:

• Installing 120V circuits
• Working on electrical panels
• Any line voltage work

Alarm System Considerations

If security cameras are integrated with monitored alarm systems, check with the local municipality for any alarm registration requirements.

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Determine whether your project is in Akron, another municipality, or unincorporated Summit County using the Summit County Fiscal Office property search.

Step 2: Contact Appropriate Building Department

• Unincorporated areas: Summit County Building Standards
• Akron: City of Akron Building Division
• Other municipalities: Contact local building department

Step 3: Prepare Documentation (If Required)

For projects requiring permits:

• Permit application form
• Site plan showing camera locations
• Equipment specifications
• Electrical plans if new circuits needed
• Contractor credentials

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

If permits are issued, schedule inspections as required. Provide 48-hour notice for inspection requests.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee Range	Timeline
Low-Voltage Only (typically exempt)	No permit required	N/A
Electrical Permit (if needed)	$50 - $150	3-7 business days
Commercial Permit	$100 - $250	7-14 business days
Re-inspection Fee	$50+	Per occurrence

Fees vary by municipality. Contact the specific jurisdiction for current rates.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

Home security camera installations in Summit County typically include:

• Doorbell cameras and video doorbells
• Exterior perimeter cameras
• Indoor monitoring cameras
• NVR/DVR recording systems
• Cloud-connected systems

Most residential installations are low-voltage and exempt from permits.

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial CCTV installations have additional considerations:

• Building owner/manager approval
• May be part of overall construction permits
• Integration with access control and alarms
• Higher camera counts requiring proper infrastructure
• Industry-specific compliance requirements
• Data retention requirements

Akron-Specific Requirements

As the largest city in Summit County, Akron has specific considerations:

• Dual submission: Projects may require both City of Akron approval and Summit County Building Standards permit
• Building Division: 161 South High Street, Room 110
• Plan review: Approximately 14 business days for commercial projects
• PDF format: Plans should be submitted in PDF format

Privacy and Legal Considerations

Ohio surveillance camera laws to consider:

• Audio recording: Ohio is one-party consent for audio
• Workplace cameras: Notify employees of surveillance in work areas
• Public areas: Generally permitted where no privacy expectation exists
• Restricted areas: Never install in bathrooms, changing areas, or private spaces

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Know your jurisdiction: Summit County has multiple municipalities - always verify requirements before quoting
• Akron dual process: Some projects need both city and county approval - factor this into timelines
• 48-hour inspection notice: Summit County requires advance notice for inspections
• Weather considerations: Northeast Ohio weather varies - specify appropriate outdoor equipment
• Network planning: For PoE systems, ensure adequate switch capacity and cable distances
• Storage planning: Position NVRs in secure, climate-controlled spaces

Contact Information

Summit County Building Standards
175 South Main Street, Room 201
Akron, OH 44308
Phone: (330) 643-2880
Summit County Building Standards

City of Akron Building Division
161 South High Street, Room 110
Akron, OH 44308
Phone: (330) 375-2140
Akron Building Division

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
Phone: (614) 644-3493
OCILB Website

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Resources

• Akron, Ohio Security Camera Permits
• Summit County Fire Alarm Permits
• All Ohio Permit Guides