Security cameras on private residential property are legal in unincorporated LA County. California is a two-party consent state for audio recording (Penal Code §632), so cameras recording audio require all-party consent. Cameras must not point into areas where neighbors have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
In unincorporated LA County, homeowners may install security cameras on their own property, including doorbell cameras, under California law. Video-only surveillance of your own property and public areas is generally lawful. However, California Penal Code §632 requires all-party consent for recording confidential conversations — meaning security cameras with audio recording capability may violate state law if they capture neighbors' private conversations without consent. Penal Code §647(j) prohibits using cameras to invade another person's privacy, including pointing cameras into bedrooms, bathrooms, or other private spaces. Signage indicating video surveillance is strongly recommended, as it can remove the expectation of privacy. The California Location Privacy Act (AB 1355) requires consent for sharing location data from residential cameras and mandates deletion of footage containing license plates or facial recognition data within 30 days.
Illegal audio recording: up to $2,500 fine per violation and/or one year in jail under Penal Code §632. Invasion of privacy (§647(j)): misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine.
See how Lakewood's security camera rules rules stack up against other locations.
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