Security Camera Permit Requirements in Toledo, Ohio

Quick Answer: Most security camera installations in Toledo, Ohio do not require permits. Per Toledo Code § 1305.02, electrical work operating under 25 volts and not exceeding 50 watts is exempt from permit requirements. Most IP and PoE camera systems fall under this exemption. Electrical permits are required only when installing new 120V circuits.

When Are Permits Required?

Toledo has specific voltage thresholds for permit exemptions. For security camera systems:

• No permit required: Systems operating under 25 volts and 50 watts
• No permit required: IP cameras using existing network infrastructure
• No permit required: PoE camera systems on existing network
• No permit required: Wireless and battery-powered cameras
• Electrical permit required: New 120V circuits for camera power supplies
• Electrical permit required: Alterations to existing wiring systems
• Fire alarm permit required: Cameras integrated with fire alarm systems

Ohio Contractor Licensing

Ohio does not have a statewide security camera license:

OCILB Electrical Licensing

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) regulates electrical work:

• Required for: Line voltage electrical work only
• Not required for: Low voltage camera systems under 50V
• Experience: 5 years for electrical license
• Insurance: $500,000 minimum liability

Toledo Local Registration

Per Toledo contractor requirements:

• State license registration: Register OCILB license with Toledo
• Tax compliance: Must obtain Certificate of Tax Compliance from Toledo Taxation
• Requirement: Tax compliance required before permits can be issued

Toledo Permit Application Process

When electrical permits are required:

Step 1: Obtain Tax Compliance Certificate

Register with Toledo Taxation Department before applying for permits.

Step 2: Submit Application

Apply through the Toledo ePermit Online Portal or in person:

Toledo Division of Building Inspection
One Government Center
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 245-1220

Step 3: Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• System layout showing camera locations
• Electrical load calculations (if applicable)
• State license registration with Toledo
• Certificate of Tax Compliance

Step 4: Inspections

• Rough-in inspection: Before concealing electrical work
• Final inspection: After system completion

Fees and Processing Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Online Application	Standard fee	1-3 business days
Reinspection	$50+	As scheduled

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Security Cameras

• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest, Arlo): No permit required
• DVR/NVR systems with PoE cameras: No permit required
• Wireless camera systems: No permit required
• Systems under 25V/50W: Explicitly exempt per Toledo code

Commercial Security Cameras

• IP camera systems: No permit if using existing network
• Analog systems with new wiring: May need electrical permit if over 25V
• Large deployments: Tax compliance certificate required
• Access control integration: Check fire code requirements

Ohio Security Camera Laws

Important legal requirements for Toledo installations:

Privacy Requirements

• No cameras in private areas: Bathrooms, changing rooms prohibited
• Legitimate purpose: Must have business reason for recording
• Signage recommended: Post visible notices about surveillance
• Employee notification: Inform staff about recording

Audio Recording

• One-party consent: Ohio Revised Code § 2933.52
• At least one party: Must consent to audio recording

Lucas County vs. City of Toledo

If your project is in unincorporated Lucas County rather than City of Toledo:

• Lucas County Building Regulations: (419) 213-4612
• Different requirements: May have separate permit process
• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm which authority has jurisdiction

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• 25V threshold: Toledo's exemption is more restrictive than state 50V—most modern systems still qualify
• Tax compliance first: Obtain certificate before applying for any permits
• ePermit Online: Faster than in-person applications
• PoE advantage: Power over Ethernet clearly falls under exemption
• Lucas County check: Verify whether property is in city or county jurisdiction

Common Installation Scenarios

Home Security - 6 Camera System

Residential PoE camera system with NVR: No permit required (under 25V). No state license required.

Retail Store Surveillance

Commercial IP camera system: No permit if using existing network (under 25V). Register with Toledo if doing regular commercial work.

Warehouse with New Electrical

Camera system requiring new 120V circuits: Electrical permit required. OCILB license required. Tax compliance certificate required.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Ohio and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

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Related Guides

• Ohio Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Columbus Security Camera Permits
• Cleveland Security Camera Permits
• Cincinnati Security Camera Permits