Home Security Systems in San Diego, CA
San Diego requires an annual alarm permit and fines every false alarm. Epic Alarm installs and monitors systems built to avoid them.
Based in Anaheim, serving San Diego County
Serving Southern California
San Diego, a city of 1,386,932 people at the 2020 Census, requires an alarm permit through the San Diego Police Department and renews it every year. There is no free false alarm allowance, and a 6th false alarm in a permit year leads to revocation.
San Diego alarm permits
An alarm permit from SDPD Permits is required, and the fee is $31 per year.
The fee was raised from $20 on July 1, 2025. Register online at the False Alarm Reduction website, sdpdalarmpermits.sandiego.gov. The permit expires on the last day of the twelfth month after issuance, and renewal is the alarm user’s responsibility.
Police Permits. 619-531-2274. Code: San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 3, Article 3, Division 37.
How San Diego handles false alarms
Every false alarm, starting with the first, brings a notice of violation and a fine.
False alarms are counted over the 12 months following permit issuance, renewal or most recent reinstatement.
- 1st through 5th: notice of violation and fine
- 6th: permit revoked, and fines continue after
- Unpermitted systems: a penalty fee for each call for service plus a fine per false alarm
Fine amounts are in the fee schedule on file with the City Clerk.
Official site. SDPD alarm permits.
San Diego Police Department
Intrusion alarms in the city are handled by SDPD.
Our UL-listed central station reports verified alarms to the San Diego Police Department. Fire alarm permits are a separate process through Fire Permits at 619-533-4371.
Comparing cities? See our alarm permit comparison page.
Designing for zero false alarms
With no free allowance, every sensor needs to be right.
We map each zone to how your household moves through the home, test every device, and set up the Alarm.com app so you can see and cancel an accidental alarm quickly. Cameras add a way to check what triggered an alert.
Renewal reminder. Put your permit expiration date on your calendar, since renewal is up to you.
What we install for San Diego homes
Six systems, fitted and monitored across the city
Common questions about alarms in San Diego
Permits, false alarms and how we work in San Diego.
Do I need an alarm permit in San Diego?
Yes. The San Diego Police Department requires an alarm permit, registered online at sdpdalarmpermits.sandiego.gov.
How much is a San Diego alarm permit?
$31 per year, raised from $20 on July 1, 2025.
Are any false alarms free in San Diego?
No. The 1st through 5th false alarms each bring a notice of violation and a fine, and the permit is revoked on the 6th.
Are fire alarms covered by the same permit?
No. Fire alarm permits are handled separately by Fire Permits, 619-533-4371.
Get a free quote for your San Diego home
Call 888-969-3742 for a free quote. We will install your San Diego system and point you to SDPD’s permit registration.
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