Security Camera Permit Requirements in Yonkers, New York
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Yonkers NY security camera permit guide. Learn about video camera system ordinance, Westchester County licensing, NYS requirements, and compliance obligations.
Security Camera Permit Requirements in Yonkers, New York
Quick Answer: Yonkers has specific video camera system regulations under General Ordinance No. 11-2014 that require certain businesses to install and maintain surveillance systems. Contractors installing CCTV as part of security systems must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License. Building permits may be required from the Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings for electrical work, and contractors must be licensed through Westchester County or the Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau.
Yonkers Video Camera System Requirements
The City of Yonkers adopted video camera system regulations on October 28, 2014, that apply to specific business types:
Businesses Required to Have Video Systems
- Businesses licensed to sell alcohol (on or off-premises consumption)
- Businesses open to the public between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m.
- Check-cashing businesses
- Licensed secondhand dealers buying/selling precious metals
- Pharmacies licensed by New York State
- Pawn shops licensed by the City of Yonkers
Compliance Requirements
- Annual certification: Submit report to Police Department by January 31 each year
- Recording access: Must provide recordings to Yonkers Police upon demand during business hours
- Storage: All recordings must be stored in locked receptacle with controlled access
- Access log: Maintain log of all requests for, access to, and use of recorded materials
When Are Permits Required?
Building Permits
- New electrical work for camera installations
- Commercial installations requiring new circuits
- Structural modifications for camera mounting
- Installations in buildings undergoing renovation
May Not Require Permits
- Battery-operated wireless cameras
- Plug-and-play systems on existing circuits
- Simple residential installations
- Replacing existing cameras without new wiring
Contact the Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings at (914) 377-6500 to confirm requirements.
New York State Contractor Licensing
NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License
Required from the New York State Department of State for CCTV systems used for:
- Detection or monitoring of intrusion
- Break-in detection
- Theft monitoring
- Movement detection
- Sound or fire detection
License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 81 hours of approved training |
| Background Check | Required before license issuance |
| Fee | $185-$200 |
| Term | 2 years |
When License Is NOT Required
- Standalone cameras not connected to monitoring
- Property owners installing on their own property
- Employees working under licensed installer
Westchester County Contractor Licensing
All contractors in Westchester County, including electrical/low voltage, need county licensing:
Contact Information
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Westchester County Consumer Protection | (914) 995-2155 |
| Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau | (914) 377-6808 |
| Yonkers Housing and Buildings | (914) 377-6500 |
Home Improvement Contractor License
Required for work on residential properties (1-3 family dwellings). Obtained from the Yonkers Consumer Protection Bureau before pulling permits.
Yonkers Permit Application Process
Where to Apply
| Type | Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permits | Department of Housing and Buildings | (914) 377-6500 |
| Contractor Verification | Consumer Protection Bureau | (914) 377-6808 |
| County Permits | Westchester County Public Works | epropertyportal.com |
Important Note on Tax Compliance
If the property owner is delinquent in real property or ad valorem tax payments to the City of Yonkers or Westchester County, building permits may be refused until all taxes, fees, and interest are paid.
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| NYS Security Installer License | $185-$200 | 4-8 weeks |
| Westchester County Contractor License | Varies | Contact (914) 995-2155 |
| Yonkers Building Permit | Per city fee schedule | Plan review required |
Residential vs. Commercial Considerations
Residential Installations
- No state license required for homeowner self-installation
- Simple wireless systems typically do not need permits
- New York one-party consent for audio recording
- Cannot record areas where neighbors have reasonable privacy expectation
Commercial Installations
- Employee notification required: Under NY Labor Law, employers must notify employees of video monitoring
- Written acknowledgment required from employees
- Cameras prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, changing areas
- Certain businesses must comply with Yonkers video camera ordinance
- Annual certification to Police Department for covered businesses
Privacy and Legal Considerations
New York State Laws
- One-party consent: Audio recording legal if one party consents
- Unlawful surveillance is severely punished
- Illegal audio recordings carry criminal penalties
- Offenses against right to privacy are prosecuted
Best Practices
- Work with experienced security integrators who understand NY legal requirements
- Post conspicuous notice of video surveillance in commercial settings
- Maintain proper access logs for recordings
- Store recordings securely with controlled access
Pro Tips from Experienced Installers
- Check if business is covered: If installing for alcohol sales, late-night, check-cashing, pharmacy, or pawn shops, ensure client understands Yonkers ordinance compliance requirements.
- Get county license first: Westchester County licensing is required before pulling Yonkers permits. Contact (914) 995-2155.
- Verify state license: If cameras connect to monitoring or are used for intrusion detection, NYS alarm installer license is required.
- Clear tax liens: Building permits can be refused if property has tax delinquencies. Verify property tax status before starting work.
- Annual certification: Remind covered business clients about January 31 certification deadline to Police Department.
- Recording storage: Advise clients on locked receptacle and access log requirements under Yonkers ordinance.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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