5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Residential security cameras are legal in Santa Clara County without a permit. California's all-party consent law applies to audio recording. Video recording in public and on your own property is legal, but cameras must not target private areas.
California is an all-party consent state. All parties to a confidential conversation must consent to audio recording under Penal Code §632. Video recording in public is legal. Violations are misdemeanors with civil damages of $5,000 per violation.
Cal. 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...
Santa Clara County allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front-yard fences are limited to 3 feet (solid) or 4 feet (open). Fences under 7 feet do not require a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits and engineering.
California Penal Code §632 requires two-party consent for confidential audio recording. Santa Clara County doorbell-camera owners may legally record video of visitors but must avoid recording private audio conversations without disclosure or consent.
California Civil Code §1798.90 (SB-34) sets minimum privacy rules for automated license plate reader systems. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office posts an ALPR usage and retention policy and limits sharing of plate data with outside agencies.
1 cities in Santa Clara County have their own privacy & surveillance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Santa Clara County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →