Important Information for Alarm Users

City of Ontario, CA – Ordinance No. 3151

The City of Ontario has adopted a new ordinance regulating alarm systems and police response to false alarms. A third-party administrator, Phoenix Group Information Systems, will manage notifications, billing (including online payments), collections, registration applications, and processing for both residential and commercial alarm systems. This also includes handling fines and fees related to false alarms.

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 that only alert occupants without external signals.

  • 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

  • Alarm users must obtain a permit for each property with an alarm system.
  • One-time registration fees:
    • Residential & Commercial: $25.00
    • Seniors, Veterans, Low-Income, & Disabled: $12.00 (reduced fee)

False Alarm Fines

Fines are based on the number of false alarms within the preceding 12 months.

Robbery Alarms (Registered & Non-Registered Locations)

  • 1st False Alarm: $100.00
  • 2nd False Alarm or More: $200.00 each

Panic Alarms (Registered & Non-Registered Locations)

  • Each False Alarm: $100.00

Burglary Alarms – Registered Locations

  • 1st False Alarm: $50.00
  • 2nd False Alarm: $75.00
  • 3rd False Alarm: $297.00
  • 4th False Alarm: $305.00
  • 5th False Alarm: $313.00
  • 6th False Alarm or More: $322.00 each

Burglary Alarms – Non-Registered Locations

  • 1st False Alarm: $150.00
  • 2nd False Alarm: $175.00
  • 3rd False Alarm: $297.00
  • 4th False Alarm: $305.00
  • 5th False Alarm: $313.00
  • 6th False Alarm or More: $322.00 each

All fines must be paid within 30 days from the invoice date.

Late Fees for False Alarms

  • Late Charge Fee on Delinquent Accounts: 10% of the amount due
  • Additional Late Charge Penalty: 0.5% per month on balances older than 30 days