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1. Who is required to have an alarm permit?

Any person or business operating an alarm system with the intent to summon an emergency service of the city, whether the system is monitored or not.

If your building has multiple suites leased out, typically the building manager will have a permit for the building’s fire alarm system and each tenant will be responsible for a permit if they choose to operate any additional alarm systems (e.g. burglar, panic, or robbery alarm systems). 

Locations operating a smoke detector not connected to an alarm panel do not need a permit.

2. What happens if I operate my alarm system without having a valid permit?

Operating an alarm without a valid permit is in violation of City Ordinance and you may be issued a citation which carries a fine of up to $500.00 per day.

3. When should I apply for an alarm permit?

An alarm permit needs to be obtained within 30 days of an alarm system installation and activation. If you move into a residence that has an existing alarm system, it is your responsibility to register for an alarm permit under your name and premise with your contact information if you will be operating the alarm system.

4. What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, money order, Discover, MasterCard, American Express and Visa – debit only. Checks can be made payable to “City of Frisco.” Alternately, you may pay on-line at friscotexas.gov/pdalarms with a credit or debit card.

5. Are alarm permits transferable?

Residents who have a valid permit that is more than sixty (60) days from expiration may transfer remaining time to a new location permit within Frisco. An alarm permit form (PDF) will need to be completed. There is no fee to transfer. Permits cannot be transferred to different people or businesses.

6. How do I cancel my permit?

Cancellations are accepted by email, mail, and in person. Permit holders may elect to cancel an existing alarm permit online or use the alarm permit form (PDF). Please include the permit number, address, name, and reason. If you ever need to reinstate an inactive permit, re-register for the same address. You will receive a new account number.

7. How much does a false alarm cost?

Burglar Alarms Burglar alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive false alarms 1-3 free. Anything greater than 3 false alarms is considered excessive and will be charged as follows: 4th & 5th Alarm is $50.00 6th & 7th Alarm is $75.00 8 or more alarms are $100.00 each and the permit may be suspended.

Robbery Alarms Robbery alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive false alarms 1-2 free. Any false robbery alarm after 2 will be charged $75.00 each.

Panic Alarms Panic alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive false alarms 1-2 free. Any false panic alarm after 2 will be charged $75.00 each.

Fire Alarms Fire alarms are counted by looking at the previous 12 months. Each permit will receive false alarms 1-2 free. Any false alarms after 2 will be charged $75.00 each. As of January 1, 2017, there is a $250 penalty for operating an alarm system without a permit. This penalty is in addition to a citation that could be issued with a fine of up to $500 for each separate violation.

8. Can I appeal false alarm fees?

Appeals can be mailed or emailed. The request must include the account information and the reason for your request.