Security Camera Permit Requirements in Macomb County, Michigan

Quick Answer: Macomb County, Michigan generally does not require permits for security camera installations. Under Michigan state law (MCL 339.5733), municipalities cannot require permits for business or home monitoring systems under 50 volts. Macomb County contains 27 municipalities. Contractors installing security cameras commercially should hold a Security Alarm Contractor license from Michigan LARA.

Do You Need a Permit for Security Cameras in Macomb County?

For most security camera installations in Macomb County, no building permit is required. Michigan law exempts low voltage monitoring systems from local permit requirements.

Macomb County is the third most populous county in Michigan and part of the Metro Detroit area. Major cities and townships include:

• Warren
• Sterling Heights
• Clinton Township
• Shelby Township
• Macomb Township
• Roseville
• St. Clair Shores
• Mount Clemens (county seat)

Each municipality has its own building department, but all follow the Michigan state exemption for low voltage work.

Michigan State Law Exemption

According to MCL 339.5733, municipalities cannot require permits for:

• Business monitoring systems (under 50 volts)
• Home monitoring systems
• Security alarm systems
• Low-voltage electric fences

When Permits May Be Required

Scenario	Permit Required	Notes
Standalone CCTV/IP cameras	No	Low voltage exempt
Monitored alarm integration	Alarm registration	Check local municipality
120V electrical work	Yes - Electrical	Licensed electrician
Structural modifications	Yes - Building	Wall/roof penetrations
Fire alarm integration	Yes	FAST license required

Macomb County Building Departments

Macomb County does not have a unified county-wide building department for private construction. Building permits are handled by individual municipalities.

Major City Building Departments

City of Warren
Building Division
29500 Van Dyke Avenue
Warren, MI 48093
Phone: (586) 574-4604

City of Sterling Heights
Building Department
40555 Utica Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone: (586) 446-2360

Clinton Township
Building Department
40700 Romeo Plank Road
Clinton Township, MI 48038
Phone: (586) 286-9313

Shelby Township
Building Department
52700 Van Dyke Avenue
Shelby Township, MI 48316
Phone: (586) 731-5969

City of Roseville
Building Department
29777 Gratiot Avenue
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: (586) 445-5455

Michigan Contractor Licensing Requirements

If you are a contractor installing security cameras commercially in Macomb County, licensing requirements may apply.

Security Alarm Contractor License

Michigan LARA requires a Security Alarm Contractor license for businesses that install, maintain, or monitor security alarm systems.

Requirements:

• Experience: 3 years as a contractor or 4 years supervisory
• Surety Bond: $25,000
• Insurance: $25,000 property / $100,000-$200,000 liability
• License Fee: $500
• Background Check: Required

LARA Licensing: Michigan Security Alarm Contractors

When a License is NOT Required

• Homeowners installing their own systems
• Standalone camera-only systems without monitoring
• IT contractors installing IP cameras as network infrastructure

For complete licensing information, see our guide to Michigan Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements.

Michigan Security Camera Privacy Laws

Security camera installations in Macomb County must comply with Michigan privacy laws.

Legal Camera Locations

• Your own property
• Public areas (parking lots, lobbies)
• Common areas with proper notice
• Business entrances and exits

Prohibited Locations

• Bathrooms and restrooms
• Locker rooms and changing areas
• Private offices without consent
• Neighboring properties without permission

Audio Recording

Michigan is a one-party consent state. For cameras with audio, post clear signage.

Residential vs Commercial

Residential

Homeowners can install without permits:

• Doorbell cameras
• Exterior perimeter cameras
• Garage and driveway monitoring
• Indoor security cameras

Commercial

Commercial installations often involve:

• Multi-camera networked systems
• NVR/DVR recording
• Access control integration
• Central monitoring

Macomb County has significant manufacturing and retail, making commercial security common.

Pro Tips for Macomb County

1. Know your municipality. Macomb County has 27 jurisdictions. Verify requirements with the local city or township.

2. Manufacturing facilities. Macomb County has significant automotive manufacturing. These facilities often have stringent security requirements.

3. Weather considerations. Michigan winters require outdoor-rated cameras with proper temperature ratings.

4. Check alarm registration. Many cities require alarm permit registration for monitored systems.

5. Post signage. "Video surveillance" signs deter crime and satisfy legal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Macomb County have a county-wide building permit?

No. Permits are handled by individual cities and townships. Security cameras are generally exempt statewide.

Do I need a license to install security cameras?

For commercial work with monitoring, you likely need a Security Alarm Contractor license. Homeowners can self-install.

Which cities require alarm permits?

Many Macomb County cities require alarm registration for monitored systems. Check with the specific municipality.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Michigan and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Michigan Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Warren, Michigan
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Sterling Heights, Michigan
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Detroit, Michigan

Last updated: January 2026. Requirements vary by municipality. Always verify with the local building department.