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Police - Alarm Permits

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1. Why does the City of Plano have an Alarm Unit?

The City of Plano has an Alarm Unit in order to reduce the number of false alarms received by Plano Police and Plano Fire-Rescue. There are approximately 12 thousand false alarms each year; Plano works with alarm companies and the alarm system users to reduce these false alarms.

2. Who is required to have an alarm permit in Plano?

In Plano, any person or business that operates an alarm system with the intent to summon an emergency service of the city is required to have an alarm permit.

If your building has multiple suites leased out, typically the building manager will have a permit for the building’s fire alarm system and each tenant will be responsible for a permit if they choose to operate any additional alarm systems (e.g. burglar, panic, or robbery alarm systems).

Locations operating a smoke detector that is not connected to an alarm panel do not need a permit.

If your system is video surveillance only, a permit is necessary only if it is monitored by a monitoring company that will dispatch emergency services.

3. What is the penalty for operating an alarm system without a valid permit?

The penalty for operating an alarm system without a valid permit is a $200 fine. Emergency services respond to alarms, even those without a permit. When these services respond, owner information and emergency contacts need to be on file. 

4. When should I apply for an alarm permit?

You should apply and obtain an alarm permit before you operate the system. Most alarm companies require you to get the permit before installation. 

5. Where is the Plano Alarms Unit located?

The Plano Alarms Unit is located in the Plano Police Department at 909 14th Street, Plano, Texas 75074 on the corner of 14th Street and Avenue H.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For alternate payment location:

7501-A Independence Parkway, Plano, TX 75025 (located next to Davis Library)

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6. What is the Plano Alarms Unit's mailing address?

The Plano Alarms Unit's mailing address is: 

Plano Police Department 

Attn: Alarm Unit 

PO Box 860358 

Plano, Texas 75086

7. What methods of payment are accepted by the Plano Alarm Unit?

The Plano Alarm Unit accepts the following methods of payment:

Cash, check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa 

Make checks payable to “City of Plano”

8. How much does an alarm permit cost?

An Alarm Permit costs: 

$50.00 Annually for a residential permit

$100.00 Annually for a commercial permit

9. How do I apply for an alarm permit?

To apply for an alarm permit, you can use the following options:

• Online - Click on “Apply for a New Permit” located on the City of Plano website. Fill out the requested information and follow the steps to complete the process. 
• By Mail -  Applications can be printed and submitted via mail with a payment.
• In Person -  Applications can be accepted at the Plano Police Department during our office hours.

If you have questions, please contact the office at (972) 941-2426 or email pdalarm@plano.gov.

10. How can I pay to renew my alarm permit and/or pay false alarm fees?

To pay to renew your alarm permit or pay false alarm fees, you can use the following methods:

• Online - Click on “Manage Your Account” located on our website and enter the permit number in the “Account #” field 
• In Person - Payments can be made at the Plano Police Department during our office hours or dropped off at the substation on Independence. 
• By Mail -  It is recommended to mail your payment 3-4 business days prior to your expiration date to avoid late fees

11. How do I update my contact information for an alarm permit?

To update information for your alarm payment, you can visit the City of Plano website. Click on the tab labeled  “Manage Your Account” and enter the permit number in the “Account #” field. If you have never set up a password or need it reset, please call (972) 941-2426 or email us at pdalarm@plano.gov.

Changes can also be made by using the Cancel/Update Form. This form can be mailed, faxed, or emailed.

12. Are alarm permits transferrable?

Alarm permits are transferable to a new location (they follow the alarm user), but they are not transferable between different people or businesses. 

To update the information, a Cancel/Update Form will need to be completed and sent in.

13. How do I cancel my alarm permit?

Alarm permit cancellations are accepted by email, fax, mail, in person and online. 

You can also use the  "Cancel/Update Form". Please include the permit number, address, name, and reason.

14. How do I reactivate my alarm permit?

If you ever need to reactivate your alarm permit, you will keep your original permit number. Contact the Alarm Unit office for assistance or send in a Cancel/Update Form with your original permit number on it.

15. What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is any alarm activation in which emergency services respond and find there is no evidence of an emergency or offense.

16. What are the fees for false alarms?

The false alarm fees are as follows: 

Burglar Alarms - Burglar alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-3 free. Anything greater than 3 alarms is considered excessive and will be charged as follows: 4th & 5th Alarms are $50.00, 6th & 7th Alarms are $75.00, 8 or more alarms are $100.00 each.

Robbery Alarms - Robbery alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any robbery alarm after 2 will be charged $200.00 per alarm.

Panic Alarms - Panic alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any panic alarm after 2 will be charged $75.00 per alarm.

Fire Alarms - Fire alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive alarms 1-2 free. Any fire alarm after 2 will be charged $200.00 per alarm.

17. Can I appeal false alarm fees?

Yes, you can appeal false alarm fees.

Appeals can be mailed or emailed. The request must include the account information and the reason for your request. 

Appeals are not generally granted as a result of the following:

• Pets, rodents, or wildlife. 
• Improper monitoring or installation by the monitoring company. 
• Maintenance or testing by an alarm company. 
• Weather, unless physical damage was made to the location and evidence can be provided. 
• Mistakes by anyone authorized to be on the property. 
• Loose doors or windows that activate an alarm.

18. Is the Plano Police Department capable of receiving video if my alarm system is monitored with a camera system?

Yes, Public Safety Communications (Dispatch) is capable of receiving video if your alarm system is monitored with a camera system