Anaheim, CA Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)

The Anaheim Municipal Code does not prohibit residential security cameras, and homeowners are generally free to install doorbell cameras, driveway cameras, and perimeter surveillance on their own property. However, California Civil Code 1708.8 (the physical and constructive invasion of privacy statute) prohibits using a device to capture visual images or sound recordings of another person engaging in private, personal, or familial activity where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Penal Code 647(j) makes it a misdemeanor to use a camera to secretly view, through or around a structure, the interior of a bedroom, bathroom, changing room, or similar area. Practically, this means a camera mounted on your house can record the street, your driveway, your yard, and partial views of shared fences, but it cannot be zoomed or tilted to observe a neighbor inside their home or enclosed yard. Commercial properties must post visible notice when surveillance is active in restrooms-style areas and must comply with labor code notice rules for employee monitoring. HOA communities in Anaheim Hills and master-planned areas may impose additional aesthetic restrictions on camera placement through CC and Rs. Doorbell cameras on multi-family units require landlord or HOA approval before drilling into common-area walls. Civil lawsuits under 1708.8 can seek up to three times actual damages plus punitive damages.