Alarm Ordinance

Alarm Ordinance

Frequently Asked Questions

Alarm Services Telephone: (855) 809-2061
PO Box 398822 Fax: (877) 302-9820
San Francisco, CA 94139-8822 
elkgroveca@publicsafetycorp.com

How do I register my alarm system?

Register Your Alarm System

Or contact the Elk Grove Alarm Services at (855) 809-2061, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the cost of an alarm permit registration?

The initial cost for an alarm permit is $50.00. If the permit is renewed prior to its expiration date there is no renewal fee.

However, if the permit is renewed after its expiration then a $50.00 fee will be assessed.

Who is required to have an alarm permit/license?

Everyone operating a monitored or non-monitored audible alarm system inside the City limits is required to register their alarm system.

Where do the alarm service fees go?

The fees are used to offset the City's administrative costs of the program.

What is a false alarm?

The City of Elk Grove's Alarm Ordinance defines a false alarm as: "the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or the negligence of the owner, lessee, or of his or her employees or agents, which activates response by law enforcement or other emergency response providers when an emergency condition does not exist; provide, however, alarm caused by acts of nature such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or other violent uncontrollable acts of nature shall not be considered false alarms."

Are false alarms a problem?

Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous amount of false alarms. The response to false alarms has created an additional burden on our law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, approximately 99% or more of all the burglar alarms police respond on are false.

What does the City hope to accomplish by enforcing the false alarm ordinance?

The City wants to substantially reduce the number of false alarms that the police department responds to.

Will I be charged for alarm activations that are not false?

No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false. This ordinance allows charges for false alarms only.

What are the fines associated with false alarms?

False alarm activations within a permit year will result as follows: 

Burglar Police:

  • 1-2 $0
  • 3 $75
  • 4 $100
  • 5 $200
  • 6+ $250

Panic/Robbery:

  • 1-2 $0
  • 3 $150
  • 4 $200
  • 5 $250
  • 6+ $300
If I am assessed a fine/fee, can I pay online?

Yes, you can pay online at this website. You will need to use your account number and password.

Do I have to register my car alarm?

No, car alarms do not need to be registered.

If I choose to pay my fine/fee by check, where do I send it?

The mailing address is:
Elk Grove Alarm Services
PO Box 398822
San Francisco, CA 94139-8822

If I disagree with an assessed fee, can I appeal?

The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fine to the Alarm Administrator by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal within fifteen (15) days of the notice date. The Alarm Administrator will render a decision in writing.

Be sure to include the following with your appeal:

  1. Your name
  2. Your email address (if applicable)
  3. The alarm location
  4. Date of the false alarm
  5. Your permit number
  6. Reasons for the appeal
  7. Any supporting evidence

Appeals must be sent to:
Elk Grove Alarm Services
PO Box 398822
San Francisco, CA 94139-8822

If I disagree with the Alarm Administrator's or his/her designee's appeal finding, can I appeal that decision?

The decision of the Alarm Administrator is final.

What will happen if I do not pay the alarm fines?

Failure to pay the alarm fines within 60 days may result in the suspension of your alarm permit.

What is the effective date for the ordinance?

The alarm ordinance went into effect on May 8, 2009.

I received duplicate alarm invoices at my address; what can I do?

If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us at (855) 809-2061, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s).

Where can I read or obtain a copy of the ordinance?

The alarm ordinance is posted online. The Alarm Ordinance can be found under Related Documents on the main page.

Who can I call if I have additional questions or comments?

Call us at (855) 809-2061, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.