Chula Vista’s Security Alarm Ordinance (CVMC 9.06) requires that all locations with a security alarm system within city limits have a valid Alarm User’s Permit. Alarm users are encouraged to maintain the operational viability of their security alarm system and to significantly reduce or eliminate false alarm dispatch requests made to the police. Historically, 99% of alarm responses in the Chula Vista have been false alarms. 

Alarm User Duties

Each alarm user is responsible for:

• Obtaining a permit from the City of Chula Vista for his or her alarm system within 30 days after installation or prior to activation, whichever is first.
• Providing to and maintaining with the City current contact information.
• Ensuring that his or her alarm system is used lawfully, properly, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. Inherent in this responsibility is ensuring that all persons with access to the alarm system, are authorized to cancel accidental activations, and ensuring that procedures and practices are followed that minimize the risk of false alarms.
• Keeping his or her alarm system properly maintained and in good working order.
• Paying permit fees, fines associated with a police response to false alarms from his or her alarm site, and any other related charges. Late penalty fees will be assessed if invoices are not paid before the due date. Alarm users can obtain permits, update permit information, pay permit fees or pay false alarm fines via the methods described below:
  • Online: Alarm users may pay their fees and fines online by credit or debit card by visiting this link
    • Please note: There is a $3.00 convenience fee for online payments.
  • Mail: Remit check payable to City of Chula Vista to:
    • City of Chula Vista
      Security Alarm Program
      P.O. Box 142588
      Irving, TX 75014
  • Phone: Call the customer support center (toll-free) at (877) 503-6727.
    • Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30 am - 5:00 pm PST.

Security Alarm Application

Security Alarm Permit fees are $28.75 per year for both residential and business sites. 

Citizens and business owners can obtain permits, renew a permit, update permit information, pay permit fees, take the online false alarm awareness class, or pay false alarm fines online, by mail, or by calling (877) 503-6727 Monday - Friday, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm PST (via PMAM Corporation).

You may also complete and mail a Security Alarm Permit Application with payment to:

City of Chula Vista
Security Alarm Program
P.O. Box 142588
Irving, TX 75014

Fines for False Alarms

Every false alarm CVPD responds to will result in penalties as follows:

1. First violation: $100
2. Second violation: $200
3. Each additional false alarm within 12 months: $500 (billing will be based upon a rolling 12 month period)

Verified Response

For alarm sites with four or more false alarms in a 12-month period, verification that a crime or attempted crime is in progress must be provided by the alarm company concurrently with a request for a police response to a security alarm. Verification shall be by real-time audio or video surveillance provided by the alarm system and reviewed by the alarm company, or by a third-party report from the alarm site sent to the alarm company, that positively verifies evidence of a crime or an attempted crime at the alarm site. Effective July 1, 2019, this verified response requirement shall apply to duress alarms, as well. (Note: some financial institutions are exempt.) Alarm users shall be placed on verified response status if their site has four or more false alarms in a 12-month period. To be removed from verified response status, the alarm user must demonstrate compliance with the provisions of the alarm program, including:

• Obtaining a valid alarm permit;
• Completing a false alarm awareness class;
• Submitting a false alarm abatement plan for the approval of the alarm administrator; and
• Paying any and all false alarm fines and penalties due.

The alarm user must email a notification to the City (alarms@chulavistapd.org) that these requirements have been met to be removed from verified status.

Alarm Appeals

The alarm user has the right to appeal denial or revocation of alarm permits, false alarm fines, or that a verified response is required.  Such appeal shall be in writing and either mailed to Chula Vista Alarm Program, 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910 or emailed to alarms@chulavistapd.org within 15 days of the notice of denial, revocation or fine.

Online Resources

To obtain an alarm permit, update permit information, pay permit fees or false alarm fines, obtain educational information, and get false alarm prevention tips, please visit www.famspermit.com/chulavista. To learn more about the Security Alarm Program, please download our information sheet.