Security Camera Permit Requirements in Travis County, Texas
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Unincorporated Travis County requires alarm permits ($50 residential, $110 commercial) and development permits. County only handles areas outside city limits. PSB licensing required.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in Travis County, Texas
Quick Answer: Unincorporated Travis County requires alarm permits ($50 residential, $110 commercial) and development permits for construction work. Travis County only issues permits outside city limits—if you're in Austin, apply through the city instead. All installers must hold a valid Texas PSB Class B Security Contractor License.
Travis County encompasses Austin and surrounding areas. The county handles permits for unincorporated areas only, while cities manage their own permitting.
First: Determine Your Jurisdiction
Travis County contains Austin and other incorporated areas:
- Austin - Has separate requirements, stricter electrical permit thresholds
- Bee Cave, Lakeway, West Lake Hills, Pflugerville - City requirements apply
- Other incorporated areas - Contact specific city
Unincorporated Travis County - County rules apply (detailed below)
Key Rule: Travis County only issues permits when a project lies outside city limits. If inside Austin or another city, apply through that city, not the county.
Unincorporated Travis County Requirements
Development Permits Required
Any development in unincorporated Travis County requires a permit. This includes:
- New construction
- Electrical systems
- Panel upgrades
- Generator and solar hookups
- Work within public right-of-way
Alarm Permits Required
Alarm permits are required for monitored security systems in unincorporated Travis County.
Travis County Alarm Permit Requirements
Permit Fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential | $50 |
| Commercial | $110 |
Fees approved by Travis County Commissioners Court on September 17, 2024
False Alarm Fees
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| First 5 false alarms in 12-month period | No charge |
| Each additional false alarm | $75 |
How to Apply
Online Application: Travis County Alarm Permit Application
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarm systems in commercial, public, or multi-family buildings require:
- Plan review submittal to Fire Marshal
- Permit from Travis County Fire Marshal's Office before construction
- This applies to new construction AND substantial improvements
Contact: Travis County Fire Marshal's Office at (512) 854-4621
Development and Electrical Permits
What Requires a Permit
- New electrical systems
- Panel upgrades
- Generator/solar hookups
- Construction in unincorporated areas
- Commercial structures (Fire Marshal permit required)
How to Apply
Online: MyPermitNow.org
Process:
- Create free customer account
- Upload site plans as PDF
- Complete application checklist
- Include engineering reports if applicable
- Provide estimated construction cost
Contact Information
Travis County Development Services
P.O. Box 1748, Attn: Permits
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 854-4215
Counter Hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Commercial Structures
All commercial structures require a Travis County Fire Marshal Building Permit (or permit from local ESD as directed).
Austin vs. Unincorporated Travis County
| Requirement | City of Austin | Unincorporated Travis County |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm permit | Through Austin ($varies) | $50 residential, $110 commercial |
| Electrical permit threshold | Systems over 50W | Development permit required |
| Building permits | Through Austin | Through County Development Services |
| False alarm allowance | Per Austin rules | 5 free, then $75 each |
| PSB license | Required | Required |
For Austin requirements, see our Austin Security Camera Permit Guide.
Texas PSB Licensing Requirements
Regardless of county permit requirements, all security camera installers in Texas must hold a Private Security Bureau license.
License Classifications
- Class A: Investigations company license
- Class B: Security services contractor license (required for cameras, alarms, CCTV)
- Class C: Covers both Class A and Class B operations
Requirements to Get Licensed
- Pass two exams: Technical exam and Texas code exam
- Pass the Certified Alarm Technician Level I exam (for installers)
- Submit application to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
- Processing time: 6-8 weeks
- Renewal: Annual
→ See our complete guide: Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
No Mandatory Camera Ordinance
Unlike the City of Houston, unincorporated Travis County does not have a mandatory security camera ordinance for any business type.
Residential vs. Commercial Projects
Residential (Unincorporated Areas)
- Development permit likely required for electrical work
- Alarm permit: $50/year
- 5 free false alarms per year
- PSB-licensed installer required (unless DIY on own property)
Commercial (Unincorporated Areas)
- Fire Marshal building permit required
- Development permit required
- Alarm permit: $110/year
- Fire alarm plans require review
- PSB license required
Exemptions and Exceptions
City Limits Rule
Travis County does not issue permits for properties within city limits. If your project is in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, or other incorporated areas, apply through that city.
DIY Installations
Property owners can install cameras on their own property without a PSB license, but:
- Cannot offer services to others for compensation
- Still need alarm permit if system is monitored
- Development permit may still be required for electrical work
- Must comply with Texas privacy laws
Fees and Timeline Summary
| Item | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Travis County Alarm Permit (Residential) | $50 | Annual |
| Travis County Alarm Permit (Commercial) | $110 | Annual |
| False Alarm (after 5 free) | $75 | Per occurrence |
| Development Permit | Varies by scope | Before work |
| Fire Marshal Permit (Commercial) | Varies | Before construction |
| PSB Class B License | ~$400-700 | 6-8 weeks |
| PSB License Renewal | ~$200-300 | Annual |
Fees subject to change. Contact Travis County for current fee schedules.
Application Process
Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction
Confirm location is in unincorporated Travis County (outside all city limits)
Step 2: Obtain PSB License
Apply through Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
Step 3: Development/Building Permits
Apply online through MyPermitNow.org
Step 4: Fire Marshal Permit (Commercial)
Submit plans to Fire Marshal for commercial/multi-family
Step 5: Alarm Permit
Apply online before system activation
Step 6: Complete Installation
Follow code requirements and permit conditions
Pro Tips
Based on contractor experience in the Travis County market:
- Check city limits first - Travis County only handles unincorporated areas. Most of the populated area is within Austin or other cities.
- Use MyPermitNow - The online system at MyPermitNow.org streamlines permit applications.
- Limited counter hours - The permit office is only open Tuesday/Thursday 10 AM - 2 PM. Plan ahead or use online services.
- Fire Marshal for commercial - All commercial structures need Fire Marshal involvement. Contact (512) 854-4621 early.
- 5 false alarms free - Same generous allowance as Bexar County. Train customers to minimize false alarms.
- 2024 fee update - Fees were updated in September 2024. Verify current rates before quoting projects.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when security camera projects hit permits in Travis County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Guides
- Security Camera Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
- Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
- Travis County Development Services
- Travis County Fire Marshal
- Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
Last updated: January 2025. Information verified against official sources. Requirements change—verify jurisdiction and contact Travis County and Texas PSB before starting work.
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