Home Security Systems in Los Angeles, CA
Installed and monitored home security across the City of Los Angeles, set up around LA’s permit and false alarm rules.
Anaheim-based, serving Los Angeles County
Serving Southern California
In the City of Los Angeles, every residential and business alarm user needs a valid alarm permit, and permits and billing are handled by the Office of Finance rather than LAPD. Epic Alarm installs security, video and life-safety systems for LA homes and businesses, and monitors them 24/7 from our UL-listed central station.
Every LA alarm needs a permit
Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 103.206 requires a permit for residential and business alarms.
The Office of Finance issues permits and handles billing, and the LAPD Police Commission Alarms Section handles enforcement.
- Initial fee: $60 for commercial and alarm-company-monitored residential systems. Unmonitored residential systems pay no fee but still need a permit.
- Renewal: $31 per year.
- How to apply: online at latax.lacity.org, by mail to Finance Applications, P.O. Box 102656, Pasadena, CA 91189-2656, through the Office of Finance, or at a branch office before 3:00 p.m.
Operating an alarm without a permit is a misdemeanor. More detail is on the Office of Finance alarm permit page.
Monitored systems. Because Epic Alarm monitors your system, the $60 initial fee applies to residential permits.
No free false alarms in LA
The City no longer responds to alarms free of charge.
Fees effective May 4, 2026:
- With a permit: 1st $260, 2nd $310, 3rd $360, 4th and later $410
- Without a permit: 1st $360, 2nd $460, 3rd $560, 4th and later $660
Permit holders may waive one false alarm charge every 365 days by completing LAPD Alarm School, online or by mail-in home study.
Alarm School. One waived charge every 365 days is worth the time.
LAPD and verified response
Alarm calls in the city go to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Under LAPD’s verified burglar alarm policy, after two false activations at a location within a rolling year, the alarm must be verified before officers are dispatched. Cameras that let our monitoring center see what triggered an alarm can help in that situation. The LAPD Alarms Section is at (213) 996-1200.
Code reference. LAMC Section 103.206 (Alarm Ordinance).
What we install for Los Angeles homes
Six systems, fitted and monitored across the city
Common questions about alarms in Los Angeles
Permits, false alarms and how we work in Los Angeles.
Do I need an alarm permit in Los Angeles?
Yes. Every residential and business alarm user in the City of Los Angeles needs a valid permit, and operating without one is a misdemeanor.
How much is an LA alarm permit?
$60 initial for commercial and alarm-company-monitored residential systems, and $31 to renew each year. Unmonitored residential systems pay no fee but still need a permit.
Does LA give any free false alarms?
No. With a permit, fees start at $260 for the first false alarm. Permit holders can waive one charge every 365 days by completing LAPD Alarm School.
What is verified response?
Under LAPD’s verified burglar alarm policy, after two false activations at a location within a rolling year, the alarm must be verified before officers are dispatched.
Who handles LA alarm billing?
The City of Los Angeles Office of Finance handles permits and false alarm billing, not LAPD.
Get a free quote for your Los Angeles home
Call 888-969-3742 for a free Los Angeles quote. We will plan your system with LA’s permit and verified response rules in mind.
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