Frequently Asked Questions

All residential and commercial locations in Arlington County with an active alarm system are required by Ordinance to have a security alarm permit (Arlington County Code, Chapter 33). Fire alarm systems do not require an alarm permit.

Please complete the online registration form 

You may also contact the Arlington County Alarm Program:

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm EST

Email:  arlingtonva@citysupport.org

Phone:  (888) 865-9770

No. A permit is only required for your security alarm system.

No. Your active permit and anniversary (renewal) date will be brought onto the new system. It will be assigned a new permit number and you will be sent a renewal notice 45 days before the anniversary date. The new permit number and payment instructions will be included on the notice. 

Commercial / Residential Permit Registration Fee: $25

Commercial / Residential Annual Permit Renewal Fee: $25

The alarm ordinances are posted online on this website - Arlington County Code, Chapter 33 and 8.1-12

A false security alarm response fee shall be assessed against the alarm user for false alarm responses in excess of two (2) during a twelve (12) month permit term.

*False alarm responses to an Unpermitted alarm locations will be subject to a fee of $50. The first Unpermitted false alarm fee will be waived if permit is paid within 30 days of first notice.

The failure of an alarm user to make payment of any fee imposed under this section within sixty  (60) days from the date of receipt may result in the suspension of the alarm user registration and a discontinuance of police response to alarms that may occur at the protected premises described in the alarm user's registration until such time that payment is received. 

False alarm shall not include police response to an alarm signal that is canceled by the alarm user  or his agent prior to the arrival of police personnel at the alarm location. 

A false alarm response fee shall be assessed against the alarm user for false fire alarm response in excess of two (2) in any continuous six (6) month period, per Arlington County Code, Chapter 8.1-12:

False Fire Alarm Fee Schedule:

A false fire alarm is considered an alarm signal determined by fire response to be system malfunction, nuisance, equipment malfunction, cancelled after dispatch, or unintentional (owner, employee, or contactor negligence).

Over 98 percent of the alarm signals generated in the United States end up being false. Responding to false alarms takes emergency responders away from actual emergency situations. In an effort to make alarm users aware of this problem and mitigate the incidence of false alarms, Arlington County enacted an Alarm Systems Ordinance (County Code, Chapter 33) and the Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 8.1-12).

“False alarm” means any alarm signal: 

(a) Which elicits a response by police and/or fire personnel; and 

(b) For which there is no evidence of criminal activity to justify a police response. 

(c) For which the fire response was determined to be system malfunction, nuisance, equipment malfunction, cancelled after dispatch, or unintentional (owner, employee, or contactor negligence).

No, you will never be assessed a fee for a legitimate alarm/panic signal signal or fire alarm activation.

Yes. For both a false security or fire alarm appeal, the alarm user may, within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the false alarm notification, make a written request for a review. All appeals should be emailed to arlingtonva@citysupport.org. False security alarm appeals will be reviewed by the Chief of Police or his/her designee. False fire alarm appeals will be reviewed by the Office of the Fire Marshal.

The request shall include the following information:

    1. Alarm username;

    2. Address at which the alarm is installed;

    3. Date of false alarm that is being contested; and

    4. The facts upon which the request for review of the false alarm determination is made.

    5. Please attach any supporting documentation (alarm company call logs, repair receipts, etc.)

Yes, you can pay for any fees due on your account via this website by clicking on the home tab and logging in with credentials initiated by APS/CitySupport and secured by the alarm user:  HERE

Security alarm permits are not transferable to another alarm user or premises.

A renewal notification will be sent to you 45 days prior to the permit expiration date.

Arlington County Police Department False Alarm Enforcement

PO Box 223203
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-2203

Your check payment is being processed through a bank lockbox. This practice ensures secure and streamline payment processing for Arlington County.