Important Information for Alarm Users

City of Arcadia, CA

The City of Arcadia has adopted a new Alarm Systems Ordinance to regulate alarm systems and police response to false alarms.

Phoenix Group Information Systems has been designated as the third-party administrator for:

  • Notifications
  • Billing (including online payments)
  • Collections
  • Registration applications and processing
  • Collection of fines and fees related to false alarms

📜 Municipal Code for the City of Arcadia: Ordinance No. 2243

Definitions

  • Alarm System: A device or series of devices that emit or transmit an audible, visual, or electronic alarm signal to summon police response. This includes hardwired systems, surveillance cameras, and radio frequency-based systems (e.g., cellular or private radio signals). It does not include alarms installed in motor vehicles or systems designed solely to alert the occupants without external signaling.

  • False Alarm: An alarm dispatch request that results in police response but, after investigation, shows no evidence of a criminal offense or attempted offense.

Permit Registration & Fees

  • Annual Permit Fee (Residential & Commercial): $40.00
  • Renewal Permit: $40.00
  • Payments cannot be accepted without a completed alarm permit application.
  • Permits are non-transferable

False Alarm Fines & Fees

Violation Fine
1st and 2nd False Alarm (Burglary) $0.00
3rd False Alarm(Burglary) $200.00 each
4th False Alarm(Burglary) $300.00 each
5th and Beyond(Burglary) $400.00 each
1st False Alarm (Robbery/Panic) $0.00 
2nd False Alarm and Beyond(Robbery/Panic) $200.00 each
⏳ All fines are due within 30 days from the invoice date.  

*Permit Revocation - An alarm permit may be suspended if there are more than seven false alarms within a one-year period.

*Permit Reinstatement - An alarm permit that has been suspended due to excessive false alarms can be reinstated by paying all outstanding invoices and a fee of $200.

False Alarm Prevention

  • Before activating your system…

    • Lock all protected doors and windows.
    • Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, seasonal decorations, etc. away from motion sensors.
    • Know how to cancel the alarm if the system activates.

  • Educate alarm system users…

    • All users, key holders, or anyone with legal access to your property must be thoroughly trained in how to operate your system, including knowledge of correct arming codes, pass codes, telephone numbers, and procedures for canceling accidental alarm activations.

  • Maintain your security system…

    • Have your security company check and service your system regularly. Routine maintenance can help prevent many false alarms.

  • Notify your security company if…

    • You think your system isn’t working properly.
    • You plan any remodeling involving replacing doors or windows, hanging drywall, sanding floors, installing attic flooring or basement ceiling, changing phone systems, installing intercoms, siding, ceiling fans or skylights, fumigating, installing wiring or cable, or other electronics.
    • You are installing anything near the system control panel or keypads.
    • You need help with your residence or business, such as a new pet, plan to sell your house, or are testing your system.

  • Contact the alarm program if you have…

    • A phone service or name change, or if situations change, such as a disabled person now residing at the residence, etc.
    • Your central monitoring station should not request a police dispatch for power outages, low battery signals, or rollovers of alarm signals or sensors.

  • Replace monitoring equipment with newer, high security monitoring technology.

  • Keep dirty or wet phone lines, telephone repair, and service interruptions do not require police response.

  • Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.

  • False alarms are costly and dangerous because they divert police officers from proactive crime prevention efforts. They also delay response to calls that may be true emergencies.

  • False alarms are a nuisance to you and your neighbors.

  • False alarms make your security system less reliable.

  • False alarms are a nuisance to your landlord or business.

  • False alarms can result in the need to reset your system.