Privacy & Surveillance in San Diego, CA (2026)
4 verified privacy & surveillance rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Security Camera Rules
Security cameras are legal on residential properties in San Diego. California law allows video recording in public areas without consent. Cameras must not be aimed at areas where neighbors have a reasonable expectation of privacy. San Diego has no city-specific camera ordinance beyond California state law.
San Diego Security Camera Regulations
Some RestrictionsRecording & Consent Laws
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording private conversations without the consent of ALL parties is a criminal offense under California Penal Code §632. First violation: up to $2,500 fine and/or one year in jail. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and security camera audio in San Diego.
San Diego and California Recording Laws
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Penal Code § 632
(a) A person who, intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication, uses an electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop upon or record the confidential communication, whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device, except a radio, shall be punished by a...
Privacy Screening
San Diego allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front yard fences in visibility areas are limited to 3 feet. Fences over 6 feet (up to 8 feet with permit in some cases) require a building permit. San Diego Municipal Code §142.0360 governs fence regulations.
San Diego Privacy Fence Regulations
Some RestrictionsLicense Plate Readers
San Diego Police Department deploys automated license plate readers across patrol cars and select fixed locations. The 2022 TRUST Ordinance (SDMC §210) and California SB-34 require Council approval, written use policies, and annual public reports on ALPR data retention and sharing.
SDPD operates ALPR cameras under TRUST Ordinance with annual public reporting
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Privacy & Surveillance in San Diego County →