The City of Albany requires by ordinance that persons who have burglary or robbery alarms that summon police to any building or premises first obtain an alarm user permit. Alarm users who have more than one false alarm during the permit period (calendar year) are subject to a fine.
The Police Department administers the alarm permit program for the City. The ordinance was enacted because more than 90% of alarms are false. It is important to reduce the number of false alarms so that police will have more time to perform other necessary services.
In addition to reducing the number of false alarms, the permit system contributes to more effective police response. The permit system will provide current premise or occupant information for the safety and protection of users and emergency responders.
Permit Fee Schedule
Permits are $20 a year for a burglary or robbery alarm. New permits for alarm systems installed after August 1 each year will be valid until December 31 of the following year. No permit fee is required for a residential alarm user over age 62 or for governmental agencies, though both still require permits.
Fine for false alarms in a permit year:
| First false alarms in a permit year | No fine |
| Second | $50 |
| Third | $100 |
| Fourth | $150 |
| Fifth | $200 |
| Sixth through Ninth | $250 each |
| Tenth false alarm and any additional false alarms in the same permit year | $300 each |
False alarms do not include alarm signals caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by the alarm user.
Sound Emission Cut-off Feature
It is a violation of the alarm ordinance for an audible alarm that can be heard outside the building or structure to sound for more than 15 minutes. The audible alarm must be equipped with a sound emission cut-off feature.
To Obtain Your Permit
Home Security System Alarm Permit Application (pdf)
Return your application to the Albany Police Department with a check or money order for $20, made payable to the CITY OF ALBANY. Mail the application and payment to the Albany Police Department, 2600 Pacific Boulevard SW, Albany, OR 97321. Your canceled check is your receipt, unless you deliver your application and payment in person. Alarm applications not received by the Police Department within 30 days of installation or expiration of a prior permit will be subject to a $15 delinquency charge.
Questions?
Any questions you have regarding this ordinance may be directed to Records or Support Service Manager Mike Peaslee at 541-917-7680.
