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Alarm Ordinance

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    The City of Vacaville is pleased to announce the adoption of a new solution that will allow its alarm customers to submit payment online or by mail.

    The City has partnered with PM AM Corporation, a US-based False Alarm Management System administrator, to administer its Alarm Program in an effort to streamline an end-to-end process for its customers. PM AM will be responsible for the City’s alarm registration and false alarm billings beginning this month.

    PM AM will also continue to provide the excellent customer service the Vacaville community has come to expect. A website has been created detailing more information about how to complete initial registrations and pay renewals and false alarm bills: www.famspermit.com/Vacaville.  

    The goal of the City’s migration to this vendor is to reduce the delay in processing false alarm notifications and bring down the number of false alarm activation requiring a response by both the Vacaville Police Department and Vacaville Fire Department, which will ultimately free up resources. Secondly, the PM AM web portal will provide citizens with access to educational materials in an effort to reduce instances of false alarm recurrence.

    The City of Vacaville Alarm Ordinance (CA Ordinance No. 1729) requires all residents and businesses with an alarm system to apply for an alarm permit by completing an online application, which is available at www.famspermit.com/Vacaville. If you already have a current permit, there is nothing you need to do at this time. If you don’t have a permit, you can complete the application and mail it to:

    City of Vacaville False Alarm Reduction Program
    P.O. Box 141866
    Irving, TX 75014

    Alarm Permit- Annual Registration:

    • Residential location: $26 per year
    • Commercial locations: $26 per year

     False Alarms

    • False Alarm Fee: $88
    • Suspension after three (3) false alarms in a 12-month period (excluding responses to robbery or panic alarms)
    • False alarm counter will reset to zero at the end of the twelve (12) month permit period with payment of Permit Renewal fee. The permit period begins on the last day of the month when the original registration is sent in.

    For any questions related to the City of Vacaville Alarm Program, please contact PM AM at 1-888-509-9165 Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

    Contact Us: If you have any questions, e-mail our Alarm Administrator by clicking here or contact by phone at (707) 449-5387.

    Please refer to the Alarm FAQ's for more information.

    • Shouldn't the police to respond to every alarm call?

      Your agreement with your alarm company is a private contract. The police are not obligated to respond to alarms, but we do so whenever possible.

    • Who can I talk to about my bill?

      Call (888) 509-9165. If you get our voicemail system, be sure and mention you have a question about an alarm bill. Provide the date, time, and location of the alarm, as well as a contact number.  You may also visit www.famspermit.com/vacaville.

    • How do I appeal if I think the bill is wrong or unfair?

      If you wish to appeal a false alarm fine, please contact the City of Vacaville False Alarm Reduction Program at (888) 509-9165 within 21 days of the invoice date.

    • What happens if I don’t pay?

      Like any unpaid bill from the city, it will go to collection.

    • How can I prevent false alarms?

      Know how your system works and make sure it is working properly. Contact your alarm company for help you if you encounter problems. Make sure that pets, kids, ceiling fans, and other things don’t create a problem for you. Your alarm company wants to help you prevent false alarms; call them.

    • Why are you billing for false alarms?

      Since 1978 we have been billing for false alarms. The current ordinance authorizes us to do so. Responding to false alarms negatively impacts our ability to deal with real crime problems and provide proactive crime prevention. False alarms are preventable. Those who have alarm systems have made a choice to accept the responsibility to prevent false alarms.

    • My alarm is brand new, is there a grace period?

      The current ordinance allows you to have false alarms without being billed for 30 days after the alarm is installed.

    • What is the definition of a false alarm?

      From the Municipal Code: “False alarm means an alarm system that emits a light or sound or transmits a signal or message resulting in a response by public safety officers when the situation does not require a public safety response. False alarms caused as a result of power failures, power surges, or acts of nature not the fault of the alarm user or system subscriber or the alarm business shall not be considered to be a false alarm.”

    • Where can I read the ordinance?

      The Municipal Codes are available online, at the public library, or at City Hall. The Alarm Ordinance is located in chapter 15.28, building security. The new amendments should be available soon. In addition, your alarm company is required to supply you with a copy of the new, revised ordinance.