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

Highland Municipal Code § 16.40.480, Video monitoring systems, is a development code requirement, not a home camera rule. It applies in all districts to the establishment of certain permitted uses, and to any expansion of those uses greater than 25 percent of floor space. The operator must install and maintain in good working order a video monitoring system prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

The covered uses are arcades, check cashing, convenience markets, financial services and institutions, vehicle fueling stations including associated pump islands, on-site and off-site sale of alcoholic beverage outlets, drive-through or fast food and sit-down restaurants, hotels and motels, jewelry stores, gun and ammunition retailers and wholesalers, massage parlors, sexually oriented businesses as defined in Chapter 16.06 HMC, and off-site parking lots that are not ancillary to a permitted use.

Coverage is spelled out. The system must cover all public entrances and exits, cashier areas, lobby areas, and other public places such as walkways, vending machines, public telephone and parking lot areas, as determined by the chief of police. The system and the location of every camera must be reviewed and approved by the Highland police department before installation. Before installing any system, the business owner or representative must confer with the police department to determine the appropriate camera locations and to confirm the system has enough recording capability and film quality to provide adequate security and monitoring. The system must be built from the most reasonably available current technology.

A business owner who disagrees with the chief of police about camera locations or system requirements has an appeal right. Any person aggrieved by the decision can appeal to the city council under HMC § 1.16.020.