Do You Need a Permit for a Home Security System?
When we bought our first security system many (many!) years ago, we admit, we didn’t know we needed a permit until our installer showed up to get our system online. Why, we wondered, would we need a permit to use our own equipment?
Well, in many cities and towns, false alarms from home security systems began clogging up emergency responders’ budgets and schedules. Though false alarms aren’t super common in modern-day systems like ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint thanks to smarter technology, we also know that no system is 100% foolproof.
False alarms still present a substantial nuisance to emergency services, so some municipalities began requiring alarm permits for 24/7 monitoring to recoup some of their losses. The permit price differs from area to area, but you may have to pay a registration fee of about $50 if you want professional monitoring. And if your area requires a permit, you can also expect to pay about $50 to $75 per false alarm that the police are dispatched to.
>> Related: Should You Buy Your Own Security System?
In mid-size cities like Columbus, Ohio — which happens to be where we live — we’re required to register our alarm system with the city. As residential homeowners under 70 years old, our initial fee was $45, with a $25 annual renewal fee.
FYI: If you happen to be “of a certain age,” we recommend looking at your city’s fee schedule to see if you qualify for a senior discount. Our city’s senior alarm fee is $25. Other municipalities don’t charge seniors at all.
Beyond the budgetary considerations, though, we do want to emphasize that without registering or obtaining a permit, you might be violating your city’s laws. We urge you to check with your city or police department before buying any alarm system.
How Does Alarm Monitoring Work?
If you’re on the fence as to whether or not to sign up with 24/7 professional alarm monitoring, this should help with your decision.
First, your system will be connected to a central monitoring center by a Wi-Fi, cellular, or landline connection. If and when your alarm goes off, your security system will automatically send a signal to the monitoring station, and an emergency response agent (not first responders) will reach out to you. If they can reach you, and you tell them it’s a false alarm, they will cancel the call. If, however, you are unreachable or in distress, they will dispatch 911 to your home.
This is how alarm monitoring works in a nutshell. In our opinion, it’s worth the $20 to $40 monthly fee for around-the-clock professional monitoring. It’s an added layer of security that you just don’t get from self-monitoring. But remember, be sure to have some money budgeted for false alarm fees!
Features of Monitored Home Security Systems
The following are common features and benefits of securing your home with a monitored home security system:
