New Ordinance Will Ratchet Up City’s Ability to Permit, Regulate Security Alarm Systems

The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment which will enhance the City’s ability to permit and regulate alarm systems and related false alarm activations. 

The proposed ordinance will amend Chapter 5.24 of the Pasadena Municipal Code (Alarm Systems) which was last updated in 1989. 

The proposed ordinance includes revising definitions to reflect “current and modern practices” by shifting responsibility to alarm companies to obtain a permit for professionally installed and monitored alarm systems, according to the Ordinance’s Fact Sheet.

The proposed ordinance provides that: “Alarm businesses and self-monitored alarm system users shall be responsible for ensuring that the alarm system has an active alarm system prior to installation of the alarm system,” regardless of who performs the installation.

The wording also added language to cover self-installed and monitored alarm systems and changed the validity of permits from four years to one year.

The implementation of the ordinance will reportedly increase the  City’s alarm permit revenue and decrease penalties related to false alarms without a permit.