Alarm user permits required in some Valley cities

If you plan to arm your home or business with an alarm system an alarm user’s permit is required in some Coachella Valley cities.

The requirement isn’t new, but some local neighbors said they weren’t aware of the annual permit until they received a bill and a violation for a false alarm at an unpermitted residence.

“In city’s like Palm Springs, Indio, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs it’s required by city law they have a permit,” said Steve Kaufer, president of Maximum Security in Palm Springs

The permit generally costs between $28 and $35 a year depending on the city.

Kaufer said your alarm company should alert you from the beginning.

“When we have a new client we provide them with the permit information so there are no surprises,” he said.

About 99 percent of so-called emergency situations turn out to be false alarms and cities carry the burden of responding to and paying for them.

Be aware if you have an alarm system, security or fire, and don’t have a permit the city can fine you immediately if police officers are dispatched to your home or business for a false alarm.

Even with a permit you’ll eventually have to reimburse the city for excessive false alarms.

“The first one is free. After that it’s $100, $150, $200. It becomes very expensive very fast,” said Kaufer. “It’s really important that the homeowner and the alarm company work together to reduce false alarms. It does burn up police power.”

Here is more information on how to apply or renew your alarm user’s permit.

To register your alarm in Indio, contact the Finance Department at City Hall 760-391-4040 or visit www.indio.org

To register in Palm Springs, visit www.palmspringsalarm.com

To register in Cathedral City, visit www.cathedralcityalarm.com

To register in Desert Hot Springs, contact City Hall at 760-329-6411.