Alarm User Fees & Fines
Charles County False Alarm Ordinance No. 98-48 provides for three (3) “free” false alarms within a 12-month period for registered alarm systems. On the third false alarm, the alarm user must have the alarm system inspected by a licensed alarm business. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that all mechanical components of the alarm system are in good operating condition and to provide the alarm business an opportunity to re-educate users of the system on proper use procedures.
False alarm response fees are imposed beginning with the fourth false alarm within a 12-month period, at a fee of $50.00. Please refer to the detailed False Alarm Response Fee Schedule on the back panel of this brochure.
On the sixth false alarm within a 12-month period, the alarm user must have the alarm system upgraded to meet current County installation standards.
Non-permitted Alarm Systems, however, are subject to a $150.00 citation and assessment penalty for each alarm dispatch request.
Alarm users are considered in violation of the alarm ordinance if they:
● fail to register their alarm system(s);
● fail to pay imposed false alarm response fees; or
● fail to upgrade the alarm system, as required.
Below are fees charged to alarm users for emergency response to false alarm activations. Fees apply only if emergency personnel are dispatched to the alarm location and the alarm signal is false.
FALSE ALARM RESPONSE FEE SCHEDULE |
||
# of False Alarms |
Action(s) Taken |
Response Fee |
1st |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU |
$0.00 |
2nd |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU |
0.00 |
3rd |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU + Inspection of System Required |
0.00 |
4th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU |
50.00 |
5th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU |
150.00 |
6th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU + Modification/ Upgrade of System and/or Additional User Training Required |
150.00 |
7th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification from FARU |
150.00 |
8th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification of Suspension of Permit from FARU + Notification Made to Insurance Co. |
200.00 |
9th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification of Suspension of Permit from FARU + Notification Made to Insurance Carrier |
200.00 |
10th |
On-Site Written Notice + Letter of Notification of Suspension of Permit from FARU + Notification Made to Insurance Carrier |
200.00 |
11th & Up |
More than 10 false alarms in a 12-month period may be cause for automatic revocation of CR. |
300.00 |
| Non-permitted Alarm Systems (whether expired, revoked, suspended or never acquired) will be subject to a citation and assessment penalty for EACH alarm dispatch request, in addition to any other penalties which may apply (Section 13.0 Fines, ©)). | 150.00 |
|