The majority of burglar alarms which the Sheriff's Department responds are false. False alarms account for approximately 14% of the Sheriff's Department's total calls for services. The City's goal is to reduce the number of false alarm calls, thus allowing the Sheriff's Department to focus on other calls. A False Alarm Ordinance was adopted by the City Council on October 15, 1997 and updated on June 9, 2009 to help reduce the number of false alarms received each year. This program affects both residential and business alarm owners. Owners of alarm systems are urged to become familiar with their alarm systems.

What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is the activation of an alarm system to which the Sheriff's Department responds, yet is not the result of criminal activity or an emergency situation. This program does not include vehicle alarms.

What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?

• Use of incorrect keypad codes.
• Failure to train other authorized users.
• Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm.
• Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules).
• Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility.

What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?

• Improper application or installation of interior motion detectors.
• Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.
• Improper charging or checking of batteries.
• Faulty equipment (i.e., panels, detectors, key pads, etc.)

What can you do to reduce false alarms?

• Make sure those operating your alarm are familiar with alarm system operations.
• Secure doors and windows before turning on system.
• Beware of changes in the environment (i.e., new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc.)
• Notify monitoring facility of any and all changes (i.e., houseguests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees, etc.)
• Equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.

What do false alarms cost the City?

• In 2008, false alarms cost the City $1,006,772.
• Nearly $3.0 million over the prior three years.
• Equivalent to 5.8 full-time Sheriff Deputies per year.

What does the false alarm program do?

• Encourages the proper maintenance of alarm systems.
• Reduces the number of false alarms.
• Allows deputies to better utilize time and focus on other, more urgent calls.

How does the False Alarm Ordinance work?

For the first and second false alarms, there will be no charge.  For the third false alarm, and any subsequent false alarms in a calendar year, the owner will be charged a fee according to the following fee schedule.  The City may notify the owner of a false alarm incident in writing, as a courtesy, following each separate alarm incident.

False Alarm Response Fee Schedule
Burglary Alarm
First 2 responses in any calendar year	No Charge
3rd call	$255
4th call	$400
5th call and every call thereafter	$600
Robbery Alarm
First 2 responses in any calendar year	No Charge
3rd call	$300
4th call	$600
5th call and every call thereafter	$800

How did the City arrive at the current fee structure?

The City conducted a cost analysis to determine the cost of providing services. In this study, all costs associated with responding to false alarms were accounted for, including dispatching the alarm call, deputy response, investigating, and deputy time.

How do I get more information?

For more information on the False Alarm Ordinance, write or call:

City of Santa Clarita
Department of Administrative Services
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 295
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 255-4920