Security Camera Permit Requirements in Will County, Illinois

Installing security cameras in Will County, Illinois? This guide covers permit requirements, contractor licensing, and compliance essentials for surveillance system installations in unincorporated Will County and surrounding municipalities like Joliet, Naperville (Will County portion), and Bolingbrook.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Permits may be required for security camera installations in Will County depending on the scope of electrical work involved. Per Will County Code § 150.110, permits are required for all electrical work, and permits shall be issued only when a duly licensed and bonded electrical contractor is listed on the application.

Key factors determining permit requirements:

• Installation location (unincorporated county vs. incorporated municipality)
• Scope of electrical work involved
• Commercial vs. residential application
• Whether work is performed by licensed Private Alarm Contractor

When Permits Are Required

Permits Typically Required

• New electrical circuits for camera power
• Hardwired camera systems with conduit installation
• Exterior-mounted cameras requiring structural penetrations
• Commercial surveillance systems
• Systems integrated with fire or security alarms
• POE (Power over Ethernet) installations with new cabling infrastructure
• Installations on new construction or major renovations

Potentially Exempt Installations

• Wireless battery-powered cameras
• Plug-in cameras using existing outlets
• Work by licensed Private Alarm Contractors within scope of state license
• Simple residential systems with no new wiring
• Temporary camera installations

Important: It is unlawful in Will County to alter, disturb or change any electrical wiring or equipment unless done in conformity with county adopted codes. Always verify exemptions with the Will County Building Department before starting work.

Illinois Contractor Licensing Requirements

Security camera installation in Illinois requires proper state licensing. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees contractor licensing for security systems.

Private Alarm Contractor License

Under 225 ILCS 447, security camera (CCTV) installations fall under Private Alarm Contractor licensing. This license covers installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of:

• Security alarm systems
• Fire alarm systems
• Access control systems
• Video surveillance systems
• Structured cabling

Requirements include:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• No felony convictions (or 10+ years since discharge)
• Pass IDFPR-authorized examination
• 3 years qualifying experience (1,500 hours per year)
• Good moral character verification

Will County Contractor Registration

Will County requires electrical contractors to be licensed and bonded. Contractors must be listed on permit applications. Contact Will County Building Department for registration requirements.

For comprehensive Illinois licensing information, see our Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Will County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

• Unincorporated Will County: Apply through Will County Land Use Department
• Incorporated cities: Contact municipal building department (Joliet, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, etc.)

Step 2: Contractor Registration

Ensure your electrical contractor license is registered with Will County before applying for permits. Licensed Private Alarm Contractors should verify their state license is current.

Step 3: Submit Permit Application

For unincorporated Will County:

• Contact Will County Land Use Department for application
• Include site plans and camera locations
• Provide electrical diagrams and equipment specifications
• Submit contractor license and insurance documentation

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing camera locations
• Electrical load calculations (if applicable)
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Contractor license verification
• Proof of bonding and insurance
• Property owner authorization

Contact Information

Will County Land Use Department
Address: 58 E Clinton St, Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 774-3360
Website: willcountyillinois.com

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Residential Electrical Permit	$75-$150	3-5 business days
Commercial Electrical Permit	$150-$400+	5-10 business days
Plan Review (commercial)	Varies by project	2-4 weeks
Inspection Fee	Often included	Schedule upon completion

Fees vary by project scope. Contact Will County for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Installations

• Generally simpler permit process
• Basic electrical permit may suffice for hardwired systems
• Wireless systems often exempt from permits
• Must comply with Illinois privacy laws
• HOA restrictions may apply in some communities

Commercial Installations

• Plan review typically required
• May require fire marshal approval if integrated with alarm systems
• ADA compliance considerations for camera placement
• Employee notification requirements
• Higher insurance and bonding requirements
• Data retention policies may be required

Illinois Privacy and Recording Laws

Illinois has some of the strictest surveillance laws in the nation. Contractors and property owners must understand these requirements:

Video Recording

• Video recording on your own property is generally legal
• Cameras prohibited in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy
• Cannot record inside another person's residence without consent
• Visible camera placement and signage recommended

Audio Recording (Two-Party Consent)

Illinois is an all-party consent state. Under 720 ILCS 5/14-2, recording audio without consent from all parties is illegal. This means:

• Security cameras with audio require special consideration
• All recorded parties must consent to audio capture
• Consider disabling audio recording to avoid legal issues
• Prominent signage can help establish implied consent in commercial settings

Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

If cameras use facial recognition or biometric features, Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14) applies:

• Written consent required before collecting biometric data
• Privacy policy must be published
• Strict data retention requirements
• Penalties: $1,000-$5,000 per violation

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Will County has many municipalities—confirm you're applying to the correct authority
• Register before bidding: Complete contractor registration before bidding jobs to avoid delays
• Document everything: Photograph existing conditions and all installation phases
• BIPA conversations: Discuss biometric features with clients and document their preferences
• Call before you dig: Contact JULIE (811) before any underground cable runs
• Plan for weather: Will County winters are harsh—use outdoor-rated equipment
• Coordinate with GC: On new construction, coordinate camera locations early with general contractor

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides

• Joliet, IL Security Camera Permits
• Chicago, IL Security Camera Permits
• Cook County, IL Security Camera Permits
• DuPage County, IL Security Camera Permits
• Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Guide