According to the City of Carson Sheriff's Department statistics, 98% of all burglar alarm activations are false alarms. The cost to the City, is about $285,000 annually for law enforcement responses to these false alarms.
To alleviate the significant financial loss in public law enforcement funds, and to significantly reduce the excessive 98% false alarms, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 93-1018 and related Resolution No.
23-091. Effective August 7, 2023, a $40 permit fee is required of all businesses and residents who maintain a burglar alarm system
and a $30 annual renewal fee is also required. Senior citizens and disabled
persons may qualify for an exemption from the annual renewal fee, however
applicable paperwork must be submitted.
In addition, in order to minimize the significant waste of law enforcement resources caused by the excessive number of false alarms, a service charge for more than three false alarms in any twelve month period shall be assessed per occurrence.
Payments for false alarm charges can only be accepted by mail or in person at City Hall. Online payments for false alarm charges aren't accepted at this time.
The cooperation of all businesses and residents who have, or plan to have, alarm systems installed at their business or residence, is essential to achieving the goals of this program--to improve public safety and to avoid wasteful use of law enforcement resources.
To apply for an alarm permit, you can submit a paper application or apply online.
For questions regarding your city licensing requirements, please contact the Revenue Division staff at
(310) 952-1748.