Security Camera Permit Requirements in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

Installing security cameras in Tulsa County requires understanding both county-level building permit requirements and Oklahoma's statewide contractor licensing regulations. Whether you're a contractor bidding on surveillance projects or a property owner planning an installation, this guide covers everything you need to know about permits, licensing, and compliance in Tulsa County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the installation scope. Standalone security camera systems in Tulsa County generally do not require a building permit for basic exterior or interior installations. However, any work involving electrical modifications, conduit installation, or integration with fire alarm systems will trigger permit requirements through Tulsa County Inspections or the appropriate city building department.

When Are Permits Required for Security Cameras?

Tulsa County follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. Here's when you'll need permits:

Permit Required

• Installing new electrical circuits or outlets for camera power
• Running conduit through walls or ceilings
• Commercial installations with more than basic plug-in cameras
• Systems integrated with fire alarm or building automation
• Installations requiring structural modifications (wall penetrations, roof mounts)
• Any new construction or additions in unincorporated Tulsa County

Permit Typically Not Required

• Plug-in residential camera systems (Ring, Nest, etc.)
• Wireless camera installations with no electrical work
• Replacing existing cameras with similar equipment
• PoE cameras using existing network infrastructure

What Contractor License Do You Need in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma requires specific licensing for security system installation work. This is separate from building permits and applies statewide.

Oklahoma Department of Labor - CCTV License

The Oklahoma Department of Labor Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Program regulates CCTV and security system contractors. Anyone who sells, installs, alters, or repairs security camera systems must be licensed.

License requirements per Oklahoma Administrative Code 380:75-3-9:

• CCTV Technician License - Required to perform installation work
• Manager License - Required to operate a company (4 years experience minimum, 2 as licensed technician)
• Pass technical examination and background check
• Complete approved training (Video System Technologies course - 14 hours)

For complete licensing details, see our Oklahoma Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Note: CLEET vs. Department of Labor

Don't confuse these agencies:

• Oklahoma Department of Labor - Licenses CCTV and alarm installers (equipment installation)
• CLEET - Licenses security guards and private investigators (personnel, not equipment)

How Do You Apply for a Permit in Tulsa County?

The permit process varies depending on whether your project is in unincorporated Tulsa County or within a city.

Tulsa County (Unincorporated Areas)

Tulsa County issues building permits for unincorporated areas only. The Tulsa County Inspections Department handles permits:

1. Obtain permit application from Tulsa County Inspections
2. Submit site plans showing camera locations and wiring routes
3. Include equipment specifications if applicable
4. Pay permit fees
5. Schedule inspection upon completion

Contact:
Tulsa County Inspections Department
218 W 6th St, Suite 210, Tulsa, OK
Allow 3-5 business days for processing

City of Tulsa

For projects within Tulsa city limits, apply through the Tulsa Permit Center:

Contact:
City of Tulsa Development Services
175 E. 2nd Street, 4th Floor, Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: (918) 596-9456

Other Municipalities

Tulsa County includes several cities with their own permit processes:

• Broken Arrow - Contact city building department
• Owasso - Contact city development services
• Bixby - Contact city building department
• Jenks - Contact city planning department

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Jurisdiction	Typical Fee Range	Processing Time
Tulsa County	$50 - $150	3-5 business days
City of Tulsa	Based on valuation	3-5 business days
Broken Arrow	$50 - $150	3-5 business days

Note: Fees vary based on project scope and valuation. Contact the appropriate office for current fee schedules.

Do You Need an Alarm Permit?

If your security camera system includes monitoring services that alert police or fire departments, you may need an alarm permit from the local municipality:

• City of Tulsa: Alarm permits required for monitored systems
• Broken Arrow: Alarm registration may be required

Standalone camera systems without monitoring typically don't require alarm permits.

Residential vs. Commercial: What's Different?

Residential Installations

Most residential security camera installations in Tulsa County fall under minimal permit requirements:

• Wireless or plug-in camera systems typically don't need permits
• Contractors must hold valid Oklahoma CCTV license
• HOA approval may be required for exterior equipment
• Oklahoma privacy law (§21-1171) prohibits cameras in areas with reasonable privacy expectations

Commercial Installations

Commercial CCTV installations typically require:

• Building permit for any electrical work
• Licensed contractor (Oklahoma CCTV license)
• Compliance with ADA accessibility requirements
• Fire marshal approval if integrated with fire systems
• Possible architectural review in historic districts

Tulsa County Permit Requirements Summary

Per Tulsa County regulations, permits are required for all property improvements including:

• New structures (residential and commercial)
• Additions to existing structures
• Construction of any kind affecting the property

Work must commence within six months of permit approval and be completed within one year. All permits must comply with Tulsa County Zoning and Floodplain Regulations.

Pro Tips from Tulsa Area Contractors

• Verify your jurisdiction first. Tulsa County includes multiple cities—confirm whether your project is in unincorporated county or within city limits.
• Always carry your CCTV license. Inspectors and customers may request proof of Oklahoma licensing.
• Document installations thoroughly. Photos and as-built documentation help with warranty service and future modifications.
• Plan for network infrastructure. Modern IP camera systems require more network planning than electrical work—coordinate with IT early.
• Check HOA and historic district rules. Some areas have restrictions on exterior camera placement and equipment visibility.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for Tulsa Area

Explore permit requirements for other low voltage project types in the Tulsa area:

• Security Camera Permits in Tulsa (City)
• Fire Alarm Permits in Tulsa
• Access Control Permits in Tulsa
• Structured Cabling Permits in Tulsa

Summary

Security camera installations in Tulsa County may or may not require permits depending on the scope of work. Basic wireless or plug-in systems typically don't need permits, but any electrical modifications or commercial installations will require both building permits and proper Oklahoma CCTV contractor licensing. Always verify which jurisdiction applies—Tulsa County for unincorporated areas or the appropriate city building department for incorporated areas.