The City of Ventura requires an Alarm Use Permit to be on file with the Ventura Police Department in order to operate a burglary alarm system within the city.

All alarm owners in the City of Ventura must apply for an Alarm Use Permit. The current cost is a one-time fee of $50 payable to the Ventura Police Department.

95% of alarm calls are false alarms. More than 60% are caused by user error. Each response to a false alarm takes time and resources away from calls where police services are actually needed.

Top ten causes of false alarms

1. Failure to train other authorized users
2. Use of incorrect keypad codes
3. Failure to secure doors and windows before turning the alarm system on
4. Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings
5. Failure to update authorizes personnel list of responsible parties with the monitoring company
6. Improper application of installation of interior motion detectors
7. Improper application or installation of outdoor beams
8. Improper charging or maintenance of batteries
9. Changes in the environment (new animals, design changes, season decorations, plants)
10. Faulty equipment

Verified Alarm Response Policy

• Between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm the Ventura Police Department will only respond to burglary alarms that have been verified. A verified alarm is one whereby the alarm company has confirmed the legitimacy of criminal activity. This includes verification through the use of video surveillance, electronic listening devices or other visual verification by persons either on or near the alarm location.
• Exclusions to the verified response include, robbery, panic and intrusion alarms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs an alarm permit? Every residential or business alarm system in the City of Ventura requires an alarm permit. Car alarms do not require permits.
2. How do I apply for a permit?Alarm permit applications are available in three formats
   • Click on the PDF at the bottom of the page, print, fill out and mail the form with applicable payment to ATTN: Alarm Coordinator Ventura Police Department 1425 Dowell Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. 
   • Fill out the form at the Ventura Police Department located at 1425 Dowell Drive, CA Ventura 93003 Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm 
   • Call 805-339-4459 and request that the form be mailed to you.
3. What is the cost and how do I pay for the permit? The one time fee is $50. Call 805-339-4459 to pay by credit card. Mail a check made to the Ventura Police Department ATTN: Alarm Coordinator 1425 Dowell Drive, CA Ventura 93003. Pay in person (cash, check or credit card) during business hours Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm.
4. What if I move? You, as the permit holder, remain responsible for alarm calls to the address listed on the permit until you notify the police department of your change of address.
5. Are there false alarm charges? Over sixty percent of false alarms are caused by customer error. User education is the best defense against false alarms. Currently, the Alarm Ordinance requires that alarm owners be billed $180 beginning with the fourth false alarm within a one year period. The cost for subsequent violations is $180 with each occurrence after the fourth within a twelve month period. 
6. Is there a fee for the permit? Currently a one-time fee of $50 is required when the permit application is submitted. Checks should be made payable to the Ventura Police Department. 
7. Agreement with Alarm Company: Your alarm service agreement is a contract between you and your alarm company. Currently, the Ventura Police Department will respond to an alarm call when requested, but cannot mediate any disputes as to the responsibility for the payment of excessive false alarm fees, the condition and proper functioning of alarm equipment, etc. All alarms installed within the City of Ventura must comply with City Municipal Code Section 6.350. 
8. Have more questions? Please call or email Nona Palmer at [email protected]