Alarm Ordinance Requires Alarm Permit

On July 1, 2000, Port Hueneme Municipal Ordinance 634, “Alarm Regulations,” went into effect. The purpose of the Alarm Regulation Ordinance is to promote the disciplined and proper use of alarm systems by the alarm users and alarm businesses in order to reduce or eliminate false alarm police responses. This allows the Police Department to do more active patrol enforcement to ensure a safer community. A false alarm occurs when the responding police officer finds no evidence of a situation requiring the response of a police officer. False alarms impact the community through the diversion of scarce police resources. Valid alarm responses involve situations of a criminal offense, or attempted criminal offense, including robbery alarms. The ordinance requires permits, establishes fines, and sets conditions for suspension or loss of permit. The ordinance regulates audible or monitored alarms for residential, commercial, and government use. It does not include fire alarms for residential, commercial, and government use. It does not include fire alarms, smoke detectors, medical, panic, or alarm systems on vehicles.

Under the ordinance, no alarm user shall operate an alarm system at the site without a valid alarm permit issued by the City. The initial annual permit must be submitted to the City within fifteen (15) days after the installation of the alarm system, or when an alarm monitor conversion occurs. Renewals must be made on an annual basis (July 1). Permits and renewals are without cost to the applicant.

Upon receipt of the permit application, the City will issue a permit unless the applicant has failed to pay assessed fines (under 3962 PHMC), or has had a permit suspended or revoked, and the violation causing the suspension or revocation has not been corrected. All fines owed must be paid prior to the issuance of a permit.

All alarm responses are calculated from July 1st through June 30th each year. Each July 1st the false alarm calculation starts at 0 (zero). If an alarm response is deemed false the following penalties will result.

A person whose alarm permit has been revoked may be issued a new permit after payment of a permit fee, payment of all outstanding fines, and compliance with Port Hueneme Municipal Ordinance 634.