Pinal County Alarm Ordinance and Permitting
Obtaining an alarm permit is crucial for effective resource management as municipalities develop. In Pinal County, Arizona, the alarm permit process regulates and manages security alarm usage within the county’s jurisdiction. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application procedure, regulatory requirements, and benefits of obtaining an alarm permit.
Are Alarm Permits required in Pinal County?
Yes, in Pinal County, alarm permits are required for any residential or commercial property that utilizes an alarm system. This requirement is part of the county’s effort to reduce false alarms, which can divert emergency resources away from actual emergencies and impact overall public safety. By mandating permits, the county aims to ensure that alarm systems are properly maintained and used responsibly.
You can find the city’s ordinance here: #111302-PCAS
Application Process for an Alarm Permit
The process of applying for an alarm permit in Pinal County is straight forward but requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that your alarm system is installed at a property within the County’s jurisdiction and not an incorporated city like (Casa Grande, Eloy, Maricopa, etc) which all have their own ordinance’s governing alarm systems. Both residential and commercial properties are required to obtain an alarm permit in Pinal County.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
You must complete the alarm permit application form from the city of County’s Website or directly at their office. The form will ask for information such as:
- Address of the Alarm System
- Owner or manager’s contact information
- Names and Contact Numbers for emergency contacts or key holders
- Alarm Company Information (Write “CGI COMMUNICATIONS” in the provided field)
- Any special conditions (e.g. dogs, hazardous chemicals, etc)
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form via postal mail, or in person at the Pinal County Sherriff’s Department. Be sure to include any applicable fees, which may vary depending on whether the alarm system is residential or commercial.
Fees, Renewals, and Fines
Fees
At the time of this writing the county’s alarm permit fee is $18.00. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with managing the alarm permit program and handling false alarm responses.
Renewals
Alarm permits are not permanent and must be renewed annually. Renewal notices are usually sent out before the permit’s expiration date. It’s essential to renew the permit on time to avoid any lapse in coverage and to stay compliant with county regulations.
Fines
False alarm activations within a permit year will result as follows:
- Failure to Obtain Permit: $25.00
- Failure to Renew Permit: $25.00
- Non-Compliant Alarm System: $50.00
- Permit Reinstatement Fee: $10.00
- Late Fee (monthly): $10.00
- Cost Recovery / False Alarm Fee (per incident): $83.00
Maintaining Your Alarm System
To avoid false alarms and potential fines, it’s important to properly maintain your alarm system:
- Regular Testing: Test the system regularly to ensure its functioning correctly. All of our Alarm systems test automatically every 7 days and will notify us after 30 days of test inactivity.
- Keep your Alarm Permit Active: Once you are registered, keep your alarm permit active with the county to ensure you do not receive additional fines in the event of a false alarm.
- Update Contacts: Keep your emergency contact information up-to-date with the county so they can contact you in the event that your alarm system is malfunctioning or there is an issue at your property.
- Educate Users: Ensure that everyone who may use the alarm system is familiar with its operation and understands how to prevent false alarms.
Contact Information
For further information or assistance with the alarm permit process you can contact the:
Pinal County Sherriff’s Department
ATTN: Alarm Unit
P.O. 867
Florence, AZ 85132
Phone: (520) 866-5173
Website: PCSO Website
