To enhance public safety and improve emergency response capabilities, the City of Upper Arlington requires all residential and commercial properties equipped with burglary or fire alarm monitoring systems to have a valid alarm permit on file. Beginning February 2025, the City is partnering with the PM AM Corporation to oversee the permitting process and track false alarms. This partnership aims to streamline operations, reduce the burden of false alarms on public safety services, and ensure efficient responses during actual emergencies.
Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, maintaining an active alarm monitoring permit ensures that critical details about your property and emergency contacts are readily accessible to Upper Arlington’s police and fire divisions when they need them most.
An alarm monitoring permit helps Upper Arlington’s public safety services respond efficiently in an emergency. By maintaining an up-to-date permit, property owners provide critical information, such as:
- Emergency contact details
- Property specifics
- Backup contacts
This information is invaluable to our police and fire personnel during actual emergencies.
Reduce False Alarms
Reduce False Alarms
Help minimize unnecessary police and fire responses
Register Your System
Register Your System
Ensure your alarm is on file for quick emergency access
Improve Safety
Improve Safety
Provide essential details for faster and more effective responses
To comply with the updated requirements, property owners are required to create an account with the False Alarm Management System Portal.
- Existing Permit Holders:
- Existing permit holders should reach out to the PM AM Corporation customer support to obtain their alarm permit number. You can do so by calling 844-392-6329 or by visiting this contact page and using the “Get in Touch by Email” support tool.
- There is no additional fee for existing permit holders.
- New Permit Applicants:
- If you do not currently have an alarm monitoring permit, you must apply for an alarm monitoring permit.
- This ensures your compliance with City regulations and guarantees your information is on file for emergency services.
Why am I required to have a fire and burglary alarm monitoring permit?
The permit ensures that Upper Arlington’s public safety services have essential emergency information, such as property details, contact information, and backup contacts. This information helps police and fire personnel respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.
What is the cost to apply for a permit?
The cost for new monitoring permit application is $50. If you have an existing monitoring permit, there is no additional fee to resubmit your information.
What is a false alarm?
A false alarm is any activation of a burglary or fire alarm system that prompts a response by police or fire personnel when no actual emergency exists. Common causes include system malfunctions, user errors, or environmental factors.
How much does it cost for a false alarm?
The City of Upper Arlington’s alarm ordinance outlines clear penalties for repeated false alarms. No service fee shall be assessed for the first two false alarms per 365-day period for each monitoring alarm permit.
- Third False Alarm: $50 or Completion of Education Program
- Fourth False Alarm: $75
- Fifth False Alarm: $100
- Additional False Alarms: $150
Operating an alarm monitoring system without a valid permit, or allowing it to knowingly create false alarms, is a violation of the City ordinance and can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and additional penalties. The ordinance emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and responsible use of alarm systems to avoid these consequences.
For full details, you can review the City Ordinance.
Why is it important to lower the number of false alarms?
Reducing false alarms ensures that public safety resources are available for genuine emergencies. Excessive false alarms can delay responses to real incidents, strain police and fire services, and increase costs for both the City and property owners.
Is there a deadline to register for a new fire or burglary alarm monitoring permit?
No, there is no deadline for this changeover, and there are no penalties for not filing. However, registering ensures that your property is properly documented in the system.
What happens if emergency services respond to my property, and I don’t have an alarm permit?
If the Upper Arlington Police Division or Fire Division responds to an alarm at your property without a valid permit, the PMAM Corporation will send a notice to the property owner requesting that they complete the permit process.
I don’t know my current permit number. How can I find it?
The City of Upper Arlington has provided the PM AM Corporation with a list of existing permit numbers from the previous tracking system. If you’re unsure of your permit number, call the PM AM Corporation customer service line at 844-392-6329 for assistance or by visiting this contact page and using the “Get in touch by email” support tool.
How can I get help completing the permit application?
Customer service agents from the PM AM Corporation are available to help both residents and commercial business owners with the permit application process. Call 844-392-6329 to speak with an agent who can guide you through the steps.