Home Security Systems in Pasadena, CA
Licensed installation and 24/7 UL-listed monitoring for Pasadena homes, set up with the city’s annual alarm permit in mind.
Anaheim-based, serving Los Angeles County
Serving Southern California
Pasadena is a city of 138,699 people (2020 Census), and a majority of its housing units are rented rather than owner-occupied. That mix of houses, condos and apartments means security plans here range from a full wired system to a compact wireless setup. Epic Alarm designs, installs and monitors systems for Pasadena homes with our own technicians and our own UL-listed central station.
Pasadena requires an alarm permit
Alarm users in Pasadena need a city permit before the system is in use.
Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 sets the permit requirement (5.24.040). The program is run by the City of Pasadena Department of Finance, with permits and false alarm billing handled through CryWolf Services.
- Fee: $39.54 per year, effective July 1, 2026, according to the city’s alarm permit page.
- Term: one year, running on a February 1 anniversary, with fees prorated by the date you apply.
- How to apply: online through CryWolf Services at crywolfservices.com/pasadenacapolice.
Questions about permits or false alarm bills go to (626) 744-7998. The Finance Department is at (626) 744-4291. Details are on the city alarm permit page.
Billing changed vendors. Pasadena moved its alarm billing to a new vendor on January 23, 2024, so older bills may look different from current ones.
One free false alarm per calendar year
Pasadena counts false alarms over a January 1 to December 31 billing cycle.
The first false alarm in the cycle is not charged. The second and each one after it cost $181 (effective July 1, 2026). Running an alarm without a permit carries a separate $163 penalty, and the city notes that penalty fees for unpermitted systems cannot be waived.
Natural disasters and other extraordinary circumstances beyond your control are not counted as false alarms.
Practical tip. With only one free response a year, it pays to walk every household member through arming, disarming and canceling an alarm.
Pasadena Police Department handles alarm calls
Pasadena has its own police department rather than a Sheriff contract.
When our central station verifies an alarm at a Pasadena address and dispatch is needed, the call goes to the Pasadena Police Department. Keeping your permit current and your emergency contacts up to date with our monitoring center helps that process go smoothly.
Code reference. Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 (Alarm Systems).
Planning for renters and owners
Pasadena’s housing is split between owners and renters, and the right system depends on which you are.
About 42.5% of Pasadena housing units are owner-occupied. Owners often choose hardwired sensors, cameras and smoke and carbon monoxide detection tied into monitoring. Renters may prefer wireless sensors and an Alarm.com app setup that can move with them. We can walk through both options during a quote.
Ask us. We can help you decide what makes sense for a house versus an apartment.
What we install for Pasadena homes
Six systems, fitted and monitored across the city
Common questions about alarms in Pasadena
Permits, false alarms and how we work in Pasadena.
Do I need an alarm permit in Pasadena?
Yes. Pasadena Municipal Code 5.24.040 requires a permit, and the city handles applications online through CryWolf Services.
How much is the Pasadena alarm permit?
The city alarm permit page lists $39.54 per year, effective July 1, 2026. The permit runs on a February 1 anniversary and the fee is prorated by application date.
What does a false alarm cost in Pasadena?
The first false alarm in each January to December cycle is free. The second and each one after cost $181, and operating without a permit carries a $163 penalty.
Who monitors my system?
Epic Alarm monitors systems 24/7 from our own UL-listed central station. Our own technicians install and service the equipment.
Get a free quote for your Pasadena home
Call 888-969-3742 for a free Pasadena quote. We will plan the system around your home and remind you about the city permit before activation.
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