Alarm Permits Information
Effective January 1, 1992 the Pittsburgh City Council approved legislation requiring all owners of operational burglar alarm systems, fire alarm systems and multi-purpose systems (one system for both intrusion and fire) to obtain a yearly alarm permit from the Department of Public Safety.
The Department of Finance processes the alarm permit applications and fees.
Current Permit Fees:
| Burglar Alarm System |
| Residential Permit Fee | $25.00 |
| Commercial Permit Fee | $75.00 |
| Fire Alarm System |
| Residential Permit Fee | $50.00 |
| Commercial Permit Fee | $100.00 |
| Multi-Purpose System |
| (one system for burglar and fire) |
| Residential Permit Fee | $50.00 |
| Commercial Permit Fee | $100.00 |
Alarm Permit Application
Please complete the application and mail the entire form, with a check or money order made payable to Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh, to:
Department of Finance
Alarm Permit Section
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: | Why do I need this permit? |
| A: | In 1992 Ordinance (Ord.54-1991) was created by City Council and put into law to cut down on the false alarm calls received by the Police Department. When a Police Officer responds to a false alarm call, it takes time away from responding to real alarm calls. |
| Q: | Do I need to renew the alarm permit yearly? |
| A: | Yes, all residential homes and commercial businesses are required to renew this permit yearly. Every year a new renewal form will be mailed to you a month before your permit's expiration date. |
| Q: | If an alarm system is already in the residence or business that I move into, do I need to apply for a new permit number, or can I use the previous owner's permit number? |
| A: | You must register your alarm system under your name with your contact information. You will have a new alarm permit number assigned to you. |
| Q: | How much does an alarm permit cost? |
| A: | See the list of current permit fees located above on this page. |
| Q: | How can I obtain the application to apply for this permit? |
| A: | You can download the permit application form or you may call the Alarm Permit Office at 412-255-2843 to request a mailed or faxed copy of the application form. |
| Q: | How much does a false alarm charge cost? |
| A: | The cost of a residential false burglar alarm is $15.00. The cost of a residential false fire alarm is $50.00. The cost of a commercial false burglar alarm is $50.00 and the cost of a commercial false fire alarm is $350.00. |
| Q: | Do I receive any free false alarms with the purchase of my permit? |
| A: | Yes, every permit holder is entitled to four free false alarms per year. After the four free ones are used up, you will then be charged accordingly. |
| Q: | Can I pay for this permit with my credit card? |
| A: | No, the methods of payment accepted presently are check or money order. |
| Q: | How long does it take to receive an alarm permit? |
| A: | When payment is received, within 7-10 days your address is registered into the alarm permit system. Within 30 days you will receive a confirmation letter with your alarm permit number and new expiration date. |
| Q: | What if I have additional questions? |
| A: | You may contact the Alarm Permit Office at 412-255-2843 from the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or leave a voicemail message. |
