West Covina council allows privately owned cameras in public right-of-way with permit conditions

The West Covina City Council on Jan. 6 voted unanimously to permit privately owned security cameras in the public right-of-way for both homeowner associations and individual property owners, directing staff to develop permit requirements, liability protections and privacy safeguards.

City staff presented multiple options after receiving several requests: prohibit private cameras in the right-of-way, allow them for all property owners, allow for homeowner associations only, or another policy the council prefers. City Engineer Michael Lloyd and staff said the municipal code is currently silent on privately owned cameras attached to poles or installed in the landscape strip adjacent to sidewalks and that a clear permitting process and code amendment would be required.

Councilmembers emphasized conditions to protect privacy and limit city liability. Mayor Lopez Villarro said she supported opening the option to residents and HOAs while making clear the city would not assume maintenance or financial responsibility if private equipment failed or was abandoned. “I 100% agree with this,” the mayor said in support. Councilman Wu and others urged that Police Department access and cybersecurity assurances be part of the permitting review; Mayor Pro Tem Contos asked staff to include a requirement that owners remove equipment at their expense if they later opt out.

The motion combined options to allow cameras for HOAs and for individual residents, with staff directed to consult the city attorney and police department on insurance, privacy protections and vendor assurances (including written security assurances from vendors when applicable). The motion passed 5–0.