Permitting Your Alarm System in Fort Bend County
In Fort Bend County, operating a monitored security alarm system, whether in a residence or business within unincorporated areas, mandates registration and annual renewal. Administered by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, these regulations ensure efficient use of resources for real emergencies.
Here are some key points about alarm permits in Fort Bend County:
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Required for All Alarms: Whether it's intended to summon police or not, every residence and business with an alarm system must have a permit. It's illegal to operate a security alarm system without a valid permit.
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Permit Costs: The initial registration fee for a home or business security alarm system is $35, valid for one year. Annual renewal requires a $10 fee. Failure to renew on time may result in additional charges.
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False Alarm Charges: Using an alarm system without a valid permit incurs a fee of no less than $75 per false alarm. Permit holders are allowed five free false alarms within a year.
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How to Obtain a Permit: Permits can be obtained online or by mail. For mail applications, the completed form and fee should be sent to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
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Responsibility of Permit Holders: It's the permit holder’s responsibility to provide the alarm company with the permit number. Permit holders must renew on time, and failure to do so may lead to cancellation and additional fees.
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Enhanced Call Verification (ECV): ECV helps prevent false alarms by requiring alarm companies to verify each activation. This service is typically offered by alarm companies at no extra cost.
For further information or to obtain an alarm permit, visit the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office website. You can also contact the Alarm Detail unit during office hours, Monday to Friday, at 281-341-4610 or via email at SOAlarmDetail@fortbendcountytx.gov. Thank you for doing your part to ensure that our emergency resources are available when emergencies arise in Fort Bend County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
