Alarm Permits

The City of Torrance partners with Alarm Program Systems, LLC (APS) / CitySupport to administer the City’s alarm permit program. APS manages alarm permit registrations, renewals, and false alarm billing, while providing customer support to residents, businesses, and government entities.

The purpose of the alarm program is to reduce false alarms, which helps ensure police resources remain available for true emergencies. APS also provides educational tools to help alarm users properly maintain and operate their systems.

Who Needs an Alarm Permit?

If your home or business has a burglary, robbery, panic, or duress alarm system installed, you are required to obtain an Alarm System Permit.

This requirement is established under Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) Section 38.1.3, which mandates that alarm systems may not be installed or maintained without a valid permit.

Permit Details

• Alarm permits are valid for one year
• Renewal fees are billed annually on the permit anniversary
• A new permit is required if you move and install an alarm system at a new location
• Permit fees are waived for residents who are 65 years or older or physically disabled, provided they reside at the permitted location
  
  

False Alarm Fees

City ordinance TMC Section 38.4.2 establishes a false alarm fee schedule:

• Three (3) free police responses to false burglary alarms per calendar year
• Fees apply beginning with the fourth false burglary alarm in the same year
• No free responses are allowed for false robbery, panic, or duress alarms
• Each false robbery, panic, or duress alarm will result in a fee

Fees are subject to change. Please refer to the City of Torrance Master Fee Schedule(PDF, 2MB) for up-to-date information.

Register, Renew, or Pay Fees

• Register for a permit
• Renew an existing permit
• Pay false alarm fees