FAQ's

Why does Eureka need an alarm ordinance?
The Eureka Police Department responded to over 1,200 false alarms in the last year, often at the same location. This high incidence of false alarms reduces the ability of Police to respond to valid alarms and other emergencies, which constitutes a hazard to emergency responders and to the general public. The ordinance has been put into place to reduce or eliminate the incidence of false alarms.

What is the purpose of the alarm ordinance?
The purpose of the alarm ordinance is to minimize or even eliminate false alarms in Eureka for both residential and commercial properties that the Eureka Police Department responds to thereby freeing up police resources to respond to emergencies and in-progress calls for service. A copy of the full ordinance is available on this website.

What does the ordinance require me to do?
Section 32.35-56 of the Eureka Municipal Code requires all alarm system users to obtain an alarm permit. You are also required to maintain and operate your alarm system in a manner which will reduce or eliminate false alarms.

Why do I need a permit? What happens if I do not get one?
You need a permit so that the Eureka Police Department is able to implement the provisions of the ordinance. In addition, the Eureka Police Department needs to know where alarm systems are being operated and who is responsible for their use. Failure to obtain a permit is a violation of Eureka Municipal Code 32.35-56, with penalties up to and including a misdemeanor violation.

 

Is the information provided in the permit application confidential?
Yes. This information is only used to help the Eureka Police Department contact you or the person you designate, if your alarm is activated.

How do I obtain an alarm permit?
To obtain an alarm permit, you need to complete an application that can be found on this website under the “NEW CUSTOMER” tab or by clicking the following link:

Eureka Alarm Permit Application

How much does an alarm permit cost?
The fee for an alarm permit is $20. There are two ways to submit payment for permits.

Payment can be made through this website once an alarm permit holder registers by clicking the “REGISTERED USERS” tab.

Certified checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks can be made payable to “City of Eureka” and mailed to:

PO Box 11370, Santa Ana, CA 92711-1370.

How often do I have to renew my permit and is there a cost to renew my permit?
Alarm permits must be renewed every year and are good for one year (January 1 – December 31). You will receive a notice, mailed to the address on file thirty days before your permit is set to expire. The cost to renew your permit is $20.

 

What is the definition of a “false alarm”?
Eureka Municipal Code 32.36 defines a false alarm as:

(1) There is no evidence of a crime or other activity that warrants the assistance of the Eureka Police Department on the premises, as indicated by the investigation of a police officer on the scene or by the lack of a police report filed by the property owner, and no individual who was on or near the premises or who had viewed a video communication from the premises called for dispatch or confirmed a need for police response; or

(2) The dispatch of Police personnel was cancelled by the ALARM SYSTEM monitoring company after the arrival of Police personnel at the alarm site.

How can false alarms be avoided?
Refer to the section entitled “Tips to prevent false alarms” on this website.

Will I be charged for alarm activations that are not false?
No, the City Ordinance allows charges for false alarms only.

How much will I be charged for a false alarm?
There is no charge for the first false alarm within a 12-month calendar period of time. All additional false alarms within the year are charged as follows:

· 2nd False Alarm: $50
· 3rd False Alarm: $100
· 4th False Alarm: $150
· 5th False Alarm: $250

What will happen if I do not pay my fees for false alarms?
Failure to pay assessed fees in a timely manner is a violation of Eureka Municipal Code. You may be subject to civil money penalties and/or charged with a misdemeanor.