Camera Layout for a Small Multifamily Building

For a typical 12 to 24 unit condo or multifamily building in Chicago North Shore, the best camera system starts with layout discipline, not camera quantity. The goal is to cover the places where incidents actually happen while keeping maintenance and storage costs under control.

Prioritize incident locations first

Start with the areas most likely to generate complaints, claims or police requests: front entry, rear entry, garage overhead door, parking access points, package or mail area and any shared vestibule. These locations usually provide more value than placing cameras in every hallway.

Recommended coverage zones

Front door approach and interaction zone for face detail and package activity.
Lobby or vestibule overview plus a tighter angle on the main entry door.
Rear/service entrance and alley approach, especially for deliveries and vendors.
Garage entrance lane and a secondary camera for interior overview.
Mail/package room covering the door and storage shelving area.
Basement utility or storage access where contractor traffic is common.

Common mistakes we see on service calls

Cameras mounted too high for usable face detail.
One ultra-wide camera used where two targeted views are needed.
No attention to night lighting, glass glare or seasonal reflection.
Recorder retention promised without actual bitrate/storage calculations.
Camera systems connected to undersized PoE switches with no power margin.

Recorder and network planning matter just as much

In smaller buildings, many failures come from power and networking decisions rather than camera brand choice. Managed PoE switching, labeled cabling, UPS backup and a realistic retention target are what make the system dependable over time.

Planning a layout for your building

During a site visit, we identify the highest-risk areas, review cable paths and electrical access, and build a layout that can be serviced years later. For older buildings, that usually means a phased plan so coverage improves without unnecessary demolition.

Need a building-specific layout? Request a site visit and include photos of entrances, garage and package area.