Security Alarm Ordinance Frequently Asked Questions

Security Alarm Ordinance
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need to register my alarm?
Each year the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office responds to over 3,400 false alarms. This equates to over 1700 hours of patrol time, which the deputies could devote to more important community needs. Additionally, this costs the Sheriff's Office and the taxpayers about $48,500 annually. The intent of this ordinance is to reduce the number of false alarms, thereby redirecting deputy resources to more effectively serve the communities within the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County.

2. How do I register my alarm?
By simply completing the Alarm Registration form and mailing it with the appropriate fee to: Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner, Alarm Registration Desk, 6060 Graham Hill Road, Suite D, Felton, CA 95018

3. Where can I obtain an Alarm Registration form?
Alarm Registration forms can be obtained at any of the following locations:

a. The Alarm Registration Desk at 831-461-7413
b. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner's Office, 701 Ocean St., Room 340, Santa Cruz
c. Any of the Sheriff's Office Service Centers listed on the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office home page "Service Center" link. They are located in SLV, Live Oak, Aptos, and South County.
d. The alarm company which sold and/or installed your alarm.
e. Clink on link, print out form, complete form, and submit by mail. Alarm Registration Form

4. What is the cost to register my alarm?
There is an initial registration fee of $40.00, which must be submitted with your Alarm Registration form.
There is also an annual renewal fee of $25.00, which will be billed on your registration anniversary date.

5. Who do I make my check payable to?
Please make checks payable to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff.

6. Can I submit a new application on-line?
On-line submittals are not available at this time

7. I received a renewal notice by email but cannot find the attachment.
Adobe software is required to view your renewal form, please download Adobe then attempt to open your document again, or call 831-461-7413 and request the form be sent by postal mail.

8. Can I pay my bill online?
Online payments are not available at this time.

9. I paid my bill but received another invoice.
Due to a bad mail or email address you may have missed a payment. Payments received are applied to oldest, most outstanding amounts. You have received another bill due to the fact we bill one calendar year in advance.

10. My alarm is not monitored by a company, do I have to register it?
Yes, any alarm that is audible has to be registered.
Click here for ordinance language.

11. I moved within the county and my new home has an alarm system, can I transfer my alarm registration?
No, alarm registrations are non-transferable.

12. I acquired a business with an existing alarm system and registration, do I need to register it again?
Yes, any time there is a change in ownership, the new owners are required to apply as a new registration.

13. Can I pay with a credit card?
No, credit cards are not accepted at this time.

14. What constitutes a false alarm?
"False alarm" means an alarm signal, either silent or audible, prompting a response by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, when an emergency situation for which the alarm system was intended does not exist. An alarm activation caused by tornadoes, earthquakes or other violent uncontrollable acts of nature does not constitute a false alarm.
Click here for ordinance language.

15. How many false alarms am I allowed before a fine is imposed?
No security alarm system shall activate more than one (1) false alarm, due to malfunction, in any calendar year.
Click here for ordinance language.

16. What is the cost of a false alarm fine?
Violations of any of the provisions of this ordinance will result in a $50.00 per incident fine.

17. Can I appeal and/or dispute the false alarm charge?
The subscriber may request a hearing by completing a Security Alarm Appeals form and submitting it to the office of the Sheriff within ten (10) days of the date of the false alarm notification and/or the notice of intent to revoke the security alarm registration. This should be mailed to the Alarm Registration Desk at the above listed address, or by requesting an appeal by telephoning the Alarm Registration Desk at 831-461-7413.

18. What will happen if I do not comply with the alarm ordinance?
The Sheriff may abate a security alarm system as a public nuisance in any of the following circumstances:

a. If the subscriber fails to disable or disconnect a security alarm system for which a previous registration has been revoked or for which a previous registration has been conditioned and the conditions have not been fulfilled.
b. A security alarm system which has not been registered with the Sheriff's Office.
c. A security alarm system which does not meet the operational standards for alarm systems set forth in Section 7.84.050 of the Santa Cruz County Ordinance.
d. A security alarm system which has activated false alarms exceeding six (6) in any given calendar year.
e. A security alarm system for which a registration has lapsed and the alarm system is still in operation. Abatement shall be according to procedures set forth in Chapter 1.14 of the Santa Cruz County Code.

The Security Alarm Ordinance Division can be reached at (831) 461-7413.