Frequently Asked Questions
All residential and commercial locations in the City of San Bernardino with an active alarm system are required by Ordinance (Municipal Code Ch. 8.81) to have an alarm permit and renew it on an annual basis.
Please complete the online registration form
You may also contact the San Bernardino Alarm Program at 888-865-9770, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm PT.
Alarm Registration & Renewal Fees
Residential/Commercial Permit Registration: $30
Residential/Commercial Permit Renewal (annual): $30
Residential Low-Income* Registration/Renewal: $15
*Residents must qualify for Low Income by meeting City Finance requirements and submitting income documentation to City Finance.
- Encourages the proper maintenance of alarm systems
- Reduces the number of false alarms
- Deploys Police Department resources in a more effective manner
- Decreases the potential danger created by false alarms for responding officers—and anyone the officers find at your premise
An Alarm user shall be subject to fines, depending on the number of false alarms within a twelve month period (continuous):
| False Alarm Occurrence | Permitted | Unpermitted |
| 1 | $0 | $200 |
| 2 | $0 | $250 |
| 3 | $100 | $350 |
| 4 | $200 | $400 |
| 5+ | $300/each | $400/each |
An alarm system signal which necessitates or causes response by police when an emergency does not exist. This does not include alarms caused by acts of nature (8.81.020).
No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false. This ordinance allows charges for false alarms only.
The alarm ordinance is posted online on this website - CHAPTER 8.81 - SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS
Yes, you can pay for any fees due on your account via this website by clicking on the home tab and logging in with credentials initiated by APS/CitySupport and secured by the alarm user: San Bernardino Alarm Program
*Submit a written request/statement as to why you feel the charge and/or occurrence should be waived or removed from your account, along with any supporting documentation (police reports, alarm company documentation, monitoring call logs, etc.)
*Submit via email using the Contact Us page.
*Be sure to include Permit License #, alarm location address, and incident date(s) in question.
*Submit within thirty (30) calendar days of the notice imposing the charge
Please email a notification of cancellation noting the permit number or alarm location address to: sanbernardinoca@citysupport.org.