Alarms Information
Portland Police Bureau
Alarm Administration Office
P.O. Box 1867
Portland, OR 97207
503-823-0031
FAX 503-823-0507
A message from the Alarm Administrator
This section of the website is designed to provide information about alarm permits, fees and what you can do to prevent false alarms.
The City of Portland has an Alarm Ordinance that was created to regulate locations with alarm systems that require police response when activated. The permit and false alarm fees assists in reducing the costs to respond to these calls for service.
Tips to make your alarm system work for you
Before activating your alarm system:
- Check to make sure all doors and windows are locked.
- Be sure to keep your pets, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, etc., away from motion sensors.
- Rehearse with all keyholders the procedures to cancel a false alarm.
- All users, such as children, babysitters, housecleaners or any person who is allowed access to your home needs to know how to operate your alarm.
- All users need to know the arming codes, pass codes, telephone numbers and procedures for canceling accidental alarm activation.
- Ensure your security company checks and services your system regularly
- Ensure your system is current and conforms to the Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards.
Notify your security company:
- If you think your system isn't working properly.
- If you hire a housecleaner or babysitter, get a new pet, sell your house or are testing your system.
- If you remodel your home, including replacing windows or doors, sanding or installing new floors, changing phone systems, installing intercoms, ceiling fans or skylights, fumigating or installing anything near the system control panel.
Contact the alarm administration office
- If you change your phone service.
- If you change your name.
- If your home situation changes, such as a person with a physical disability moves into your home.
As a special note: if you have a power outage, low battery signal, or loss of telephone service, please do not contact police, but contact your alarm security company for the appropriate resource.
Checklist
- Are you and those with access to your home educated on the proper operation of the system?
- Have you regularly communicated with your security company, advising them of changes, problems, or maintenance needs?
- Did you notify the Alarm Administration Office of changes in phone numbers or living situation?
Annual Alarm Permit Fees
Residential Permit - $25
Fee is waived for residents who are age 62+. Proof of age is required.
Silent systems and audible systems each require a separate permit.
Commercial Permit - $125
False Alarm Fees
(per permit year)
- First False Alarm - No charge
- Second False Alarm - $50 fee
- Third False Alarm - $100 fee
- Fourth False Alarm - $150 fee
- Five or More False Alarms - Suspension of services may occur unless customer requests continued service and agrees to pay a $150 fee for each police response.
- Failure to pay false alarm fees may result in suspension of police service and a $25 late charge for any fee/fine that is not paid within 30 days of the invoice date.
For more information or need answers to questions, please contact the Alarm Administration Office. You can appeal a false alarm designation if there was a valid need for the police to response to your alarm event.
- Appeals must be in writing and sent to the Alarm Administration office within 10 days of your notice of false alarm.
- It may take up to two weeks for the Alarm Administration office to research and respond to your alarm appeal. Responses to appeals will be in writing and sent to the alarm permit user.
You can all the Alarm Administration office if you need an update on the status of your appeal.
Alarm Administration Office
1111 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Office Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Appointments Required
