Frequently Asked Questions
The alarm ordinance is posted online on this website - National City Chapter 10.45 - SECURITY AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
The policy is aimed at cutting down on unnecessary police response, which is taxing on law enforcement resources. Last year, the National City Police Department responded to over 3,000 calls triggered by burglar alarms approximately 98% were false alarms.
Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response of false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, over 98% percent of all burglar alarms police respond too are false alarms.
Make sure that you immediately report your false alarm to your alarm company, so they can cancel with police dispatch prior to police arrival to your home or business. Ensure that everyone in your household or business has been properly trained on your alarm system. Make sure your alarm system is in good working order and inspected periodically by your alarm company.
Please complete the online registration form
You may also contact the National City Police Department - Alarm Unit at 888-865-9770, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm PT
Commercial / Residential Permit Registration Fee: $30.00 (2yr Term)
Commercial / Residential Permit Renewal Fee: $30.00
Permits are valid for two (2) years.
Everyone operating an intrusion detection alarm system inside the city limits is required to register their alarm system.
No, car alarms do not need to be registered.
The fees are used to offset the City’s administrative costs of the program.
"False alarm" means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, accident, misoperation, malfunction, misuse, or the negligence of either the alarm user, operator or agent, or any of their employees or agents. False alarms shall not include alarms caused by acts of God, the malfunction of telephone or electrical lines, circuits or other causes which are beyond the control of the alarm user, operator or agent.
False alarms are accumulated within a rolling 365 day period:
False Alarm Penalty
1st & 2nd false alarm - No Charge
3rd false alarm $100.00
4th false alarm $150.00
5th false alarm $200.00
6th false alarm $300.00
7 or more false alarms $400.00/each occurrence
No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false.
A false alarm is defined in the ordinance as the activation of an alarm system when, upon observation by law enforcement, there is no evidence of unauthorized entry, robbery, or other such crime attempted in or on the premises.
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 CitySupport and secured by the alarm user.
National City Police Department - Alarm Unit
PO Box 2430
National City, CA 91951
Yes, see guidelines on how to Appeal by going to False Alarm Fees tab or clicking on the link.
A late fee of fifteen percent of the false alarm administrative penalty shall be added to the unpaid balance of any assessments required by this section not paid within thirty days following the date the penalty becomes final.
If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us via email or call us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm PT so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number and the account/permit numbers that need to be combined or deleted.
Please contact us via email or call us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm PT and let us know the date alarm service was cancelled and with which alarm company.