Security cameras are legal on residential and commercial properties in Alameda County. Video-only recording in public-facing areas is permitted. Audio recording triggers California's strict two-party consent law (Penal Code 632), requiring all parties' consent.
In Alameda County and throughout California, installing security cameras on your own property to record public-facing areas is legal. Property owners may record their driveways, front yards, yards, and other areas visible from public spaces. However, cameras cannot be pointed at areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as through neighbors' windows, into their backyards shielded by fences, or into bathrooms and bedrooms. California Penal Code 647(j) makes it illegal to use recording devices to view the interior of private spaces. Critically, any audio recording capability on security cameras triggers California's strict two-party consent wiretapping law (Penal Code 632). This means recording private conversations without all parties' consent is a criminal offense, even on your own property. Video-only recording of public areas does not require consent. Doorbell cameras and similar devices are legal but should be angled to avoid capturing private areas of neighboring properties.
Violating California's two-party consent law (Penal Code 632) for audio recording is punishable by fines up to $2,500 per violation and/or up to one year in county jail. Civil penalties can range from $5,000 to $50,000 plus additional damages. Video voyeurism under Penal Code 647(j) is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County Code §6.60.050 prohibits repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing vehicles in residential areas between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it produces so...
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County §6.60.050 makes amplified sound from any radio, stereo, instrument or device a violation at any time of day if plainly audible 50 feet from th...
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County Code §6.60.050 limits use of electric or gas leaf blowers, sweepers, vacuums, mowers, trimmers, edgers and hedgers in residential areas to 7 a...
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County Code §5.08.060 makes it unlawful for any person owning, keeping, or having custody of a dog or other animal to knowingly permit or suffer that...
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County Code §6.60.080 exempts construction activity from Chapter 6.60 only if it occurs between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturd...
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County NPO §6.65.030 prohibits parking or storing vehicles on lawns or unimproved surfaces of residential property. Vehicles must be on paved concret...
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