Security Camera Permit Requirements in Westchester County, New York

Quick Answer: Westchester County requires an alarm permit for security camera systems with monitoring capabilities. You'll need both a NYS Security Alarm Installer License (81-hour course + exam) and a Westchester County Low Voltage License to perform installations. Local municipalities may have additional alarm registration requirements.

When Is a Permit Required?

Security camera installations in Westchester County involve multiple permit considerations:

Alarm Permit Required

Per Westchester County Law Chapter 863, Article XV, alarm permits are required for:

• Security camera systems connected to monitoring
• CCTV with intrusion detection capabilities
• Video analytics systems that trigger alerts
• Systems integrated with police/fire response

Building Permits

May be required for:

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

Permit Exemptions

May not require permits:

• Wireless security cameras without monitoring
• Battery-powered standalone cameras
• Surface-mounted cameras using existing power
• Self-installed systems by property owners on their own property

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Westchester County requires multiple licenses for security camera installations:

Westchester County Low Voltage License

Required by the county for low voltage work. Scope includes:

• Alarm and signal work
• Audio and sound systems
• Telephone-interconnect
• Systems not exceeding 48 volts or 5 amperes

Contact: Westchester County Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155

NYS Security Alarm Installer License

Required by NYS Department of State for CCTV used for security detection. Requirements:

• Training: 81-hour approved course
• Examination: Pass NYS state exam
• Background check: Required
• Term: 2-year license
• Penalty: Up to $10,000 fine for unlicensed work

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

Alarm Business License

Per Westchester County Chapter 863, Article XV, it's a violation to engage in the business of installing/servicing alarm devices without obtaining an alarm business license from the County licensing authority.

Alarm Permit Registration Process

County-Level Requirements

Westchester County requires alarm permits through local municipalities. Requirements vary by town/village.

Example: Town of Cortlandt

Per Cortlandt Municipal Code:

• Alarm permit required for installation
• Registration with local police department
• False alarm penalties apply

False Alarm Policy

Westchester County municipalities enforce false alarm limits:

• Residential: More than 4 false alarms in 6 months may result in permit revocation
• Commercial: More than 4 false alarms in 1 year may result in permit revocation
• Town Board hearing required before revocation
• Owner may be ordered to disconnect alarm devices

Building Permit Application

Online Portal

Westchester County uses ePropertyPortal.com for permit applications.

Documentation Required

• Building permit application
• Camera location plans
• Wiring pathway drawings
• Contractor license verification (County + State)
• Insurance certificates

Inspections

• Rough-in inspection (before concealment)
• Final inspection

Contact Information

Westchester County Consumer Protection (Licensing)
Phone: (914) 995-2155
Website: consumer.westchestergov.com/trade-licenses

Westchester County Licenses and Permits
Website: westchestergov.com/licenses-and-permits

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
County Low Voltage License	Varies	Exam + application fee
Alarm permit	Varies by municipality	Contact local police
Building permit	Varies	Based on project scope

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Security Cameras

For homes in Westchester County:

• Alarm permit required if monitored
• NYS license required for contractor installations
• Self-installation exempt from licensing
• Privacy laws apply—no cameras in bathrooms
• 4 false alarms in 6 months = permit revocation risk

Commercial Security Cameras

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Security Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Westchester County Low Voltage License
• Alarm business license
• Alarm permit registration
• Building permits for wiring work
• Higher false alarm threshold (1 year vs 6 months)

New York Privacy Laws

Security camera installations must comply with NY privacy law:

Legal Camera Placement

• Public areas of your property
• Entrances and exits
• Parking areas
• Common areas (with notice in commercial settings)

Prohibited Camera Placement

• Restrooms
• Changing areas
• Areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Cameras pointing into neighbor's property

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Get both licenses before bidding. Westchester requires the County Low Voltage License AND NYS Alarm Installer License. Missing either can result in fines and project delays.

2. Check municipal requirements. Each town and village in Westchester may have additional alarm registration requirements. Call the local police department before installation.

3. False alarm programming is critical. With only 4 false alarms allowed before potential permit revocation, proper system programming and video verification are essential.

4. Use the online portal. Westchester uses ePropertyPortal.com for building permits. Familiarize yourself with the system to streamline applications.

5. Document license requirements in contracts. Make clear to clients that licensed installation is required by law. This protects both you and the customer from violations.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• Westchester County Trade Licenses
• NYS Alarm Installer License
• Westchester County Licenses and Permits

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements vary by municipality—always verify with Westchester County and your local police department before beginning work.