Alarm Information
Azusa Police Department
Alarm Systems & City Requirements
An alarm system can bring peace of mind and help deter crime—when used correctly. The City of Azusa requires all residents and businesses with an alarm system to register for a permit per the Azusa Municipal Code. Improper installation, lack of maintenance, or user error can result in false alarms, which strain emergency resources.
What You Need to Know About False Alarms
False alarms are preventable and costly. The national average for false alarms per system is less than one per year. In Azusa, however, the police respond to more than 950 false alarm calls annually—most of which turn out to be avoidable. The city’s intention is to reduce these unnecessary dispatches and improve public safety response times.
Why the Policy Exists
If the city continued responding to false alarms at the current rate, officers would be pulled away from other priorities nearly 3,000 times over the next three years. More than 98% of these calls are false. Holding alarm owners accountable—through permits, education, and fines—is part of the city’s effort to reduce this burden and increase safety for everyone.
Register Your Alarm System
Visit the City of Azusa’s Alarm Permit Program website to register your alarm or pay a citation fee.
Note: Alarm permits are required for all residential and commercial systems operating within city limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I obtain an alarm permit?
To register an alarm, visit the City of Azusa’s Alarm Permit Program website.
How much does a permit cost?
- Residential: $25
- Commercial: $25
Discounted Fees
- Seniors (65+) and disabled individuals: $12
Note: Proof of age or disability is required. Late payments (over 30 days) incur an additional $25 fee.
Can my alarm permit be suspended?
Yes. Suspension occurs if:
- Four or more false burglar alarms occur within one year.
Invoices remain unpaid for 90+ days.
How do I appeal a suspension?
You must file a written appeal with the Police Chief within 20 business days. A hearing will be conducted within 30 days, and the decision issued within 15 days of the hearing. The appeal process pauses any suspension actions.
Appeals may be granted based on evidence such as:
- Communication service error
- Power outage over 4 hours
- Verified non-false alarm by police
- Multiple alarms in a 24-hour period
- Technical malfunction corrections
- Other extenuating circumstances
How do I get my alarm reinstated?
For reinstatement due to false alarms:
- Pay $100 reinstatement fee
- Pay all outstanding fines
- Submit inspection/repair documentation (if needed)
- Complete an awareness class and test
For non-payment:
- Pay $100 reinstatement fee
- Pay all outstanding fees
What are the false alarm service fees?
Permit Holders – Burglary False Alarms
1st: $50 (waived if class completed within 30 days)
2nd: $75
3rd: $125
4th: $175
5th: $225
6th+: $275
Permit Holders – Robbery/Panic Alarms
$100 each
Non-Permit Holders
1st: $150
2nd: $175
3rd: $225
4th: $275
5th: $325
6th+: $375
Late payments incur $25 fee. Suspended locations may face higher fines.
What is Enhanced Call Verification (ECV)?
ECV is an alarm industry practice to help reduce false alarms. Your alarm company must call two separate numbers (typically your business and your cell phone) before requesting a police dispatch. It provides an opportunity to cancel an accidental alarm.
Note: ECV applies to burglary alarms only.
Are one or two false alarms a year a problem?
Yes. Even one or two false alarms per household can add up to thousands of unnecessary responses citywide. This places a burden on officers and increases costs for all taxpayers.
Who do I call if I have more questions?
Please call (888) 865-9770 for alarm program support.