Security cameras are legal on residential and commercial properties in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania law allows video recording in areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy. Philadelphia is one of the most surveilled cities in the U.S. with approximately 30.73 cameras per 1,000 residents.
Installing residential security cameras in Philadelphia is legal under Pennsylvania law, provided cameras record areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras should not be aimed at areas where neighbors have privacy expectations, such as inside their homes, bathrooms, or bedrooms visible through windows. Exterior cameras covering your own property, driveway, front porch, and public sidewalks are permitted without restriction. Philadelphia has an extensive public camera network. Private businesses are encouraged to register cameras with the Philadelphia Police Department's SafeCam program. Workplace cameras are legal in common areas but prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas. The Philadelphia Code does not have specific ordinances governing residential security camera placement beyond state law. Pennsylvania's Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (18 Pa.C.S. Β§5703) governs electronic surveillance.
Recording in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy violates PA law (18 Pa.C.S. Β§5703). Video voyeurism is a felony under 18 Pa.C.S. Β§7507.1. No local fines for standard residential security camera use.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia regulates on-street parking through the Philadelphia Parking Authority under Phila. Code Title 12. Residential Permit Parking (RPP) districts re...
Philadelphia, PA
Although Pennsylvania Act 43 of 2017 (and Act 74 of 2022) legalized consumer fireworks statewide, Philadelphia's Fire Code imposes some of the strictest loca...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Title 4 PM Code requires property maintenance but does not address orn...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants ...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through L+I...
See how Philadelphia's security camera rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.