Frequently Asked Questions
The alarm ordinance is posted online on this website - Chapter 3.56 - ALARM SYSTEMS.
- Encourages the proper maintenance of alarm systems
- Reduces the number of false alarms
- Deploys Police Department resources in a more effective manner
- Decreases the potential danger created by false alarms for responding officers—and anyone the officers find at your premises
In an instance where the call turns out to be a false alarm the City will not charge for the first response in a calendar year. This will allow the alarm owner time to fix any problems with their alarm system.
Since the introduction of the False Alarm Program in 2004, the number of false alarms has been reduced by over 60%.
Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response of false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, over 98% percent of all burglar alarms police respond too are false alarms.
- Ensure that all users of your alarm system are properly trained (including babysitters, relatives, housekeepers, new employees, etc.).
- Notify your alarm monitoring company of scheduled repairs or when others will be on the premises.
- Instruct all alarm users on how to cancel an accidentally activated alarm.
- Communicate with your alarm company regularly, advising them of schedule changes, updating emergency contact names and telephone numbers, and discussing problem areas or maintenance needs.
- Restrict pets from areas where your alarm could be activated.
- Provide your alarm company with the names and phone numbers of “responsible parties” who can respond to your premises when the alarm has been activated. “Responsible parties” should be an adult and one, who is able to determine if something is awry.
- Incorrect use of key pad codes.
- Untrained alarm users.
- Unsecured doors and windows.
- Free roaming pets.
- Faulty alarm equipment.
- Improper installation of alarm system.
- Failure to notify the alarm monitoring company of changes (house sitters, employees, special events, construction/remodel, etc.)
Everyone operating an intrusion detection alarm system inside the city limits is required to register their alarm system.
Please complete the online registration form
You may also contact the Manhattan Beach Police Department - Alarm Unit at 888-865-9770, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm PT
- New Residential Alarm Permit $61.00
- New Commercial Alarm Permit $61.00
- Annual Renewal of Residential or Commercial Permit $30.00
- Alarm User Awareness Class $96.00
- New Fee Schedule Effective July 1, 2024
False Alarms Fee Schedule per Calendar Year (January 1st - December 31st)
(Fees updated 7/1/2010)
| BURGLARY ALARM FINE | PANIC/ROBBERY ALARM FINE * | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st false alarm | No charge | $290.00 |
| 2nd false alarm | $190.00 | $435.00 |
| 3rd false alarm | $285.00 | $580.00 |
| 4th false alarm | $380.00 | $580.00 |
| 5th false alarm | $380.00 | $580.00 |
| 6th false alarm | $380.00 | $580.00 |
| 7th false alarm | Police response suspended |
Charges apply to both Residential and Commercial Alarm owners
* Note: There are no free false alarms for Panic and/or Robbery alarms.
Yes, you can pay for any fees due on your account via this website by clicking on the home tab and logging in with credentials initiated by CitySupport and secured by the alarm user.
Manhattan Beach Police Department
PO Box 3255
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Administrative Review: If you believe an alarm activation was not a “false” alarm, you can request an Administrative Review by notifying the Manhattan Beach Police Department—Alarm Program (420 15th St, MB 90266) within 5 business days of your alarm activation.
Administrative Hearing (MBMC 3.56.110): If you would like to appeal your false alarm fine, late fee, or penalty assessment, you can request an Administrative Hearing, by notifying the City Clerk (1400 Highland Ave, MB 90266) in writing within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. If the Hearing Officer does not find in your favor, the cost of the hearing ($40) will be burdened by you.
Fine for not having an Alarm System Permit Commercial and Residential $190.00
If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us via email or call us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm PT so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number and the account/permit numbers that need to be combined or deleted.
Please contact us via email or call us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm PT and let us know the date alarm service was cancelled and with which alarm company.
No, alarm permits can not be transferred you must cancel the current permit and register for a new alarm permit at the new location.
Alarm User Awareness Class, “Alarm School,” is available to refund one paid false alarm fine. Alarm users may attend only once per 12 consecutive month period. Click here to take alarm school Alarm User Awareness Class (Alarm School).
Please contact us via email or call us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm PT.
If no payment is received, your account can be turned over to a collection agency and your credit would be affected.