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Contra Costa County · Building on your lot

Home alarm permits and false alarms in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County's own rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Contra Costa County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Contra Costa County's code says

Contra Costa County code What Contra Costa County's code adds
How long an alarm may sound
  • 20 minutes.
    § 54-12.006 · code text
    All audible alarms shall be designed and/or equipped to automatically turn off no more than twenty minutes after activated.
False alarm fees
  • A false alarm fee applies.
    Applies: Applies to every false alarm in excess of 3 in any 90-day period or 8 in any 12-month period.
    § 54-12.014 · code text
    For every false alarm in excess of three during any ninety-day period or eight during any twelve-month period, the subscriber of the errant alarm shall pay a false alarm fee.
  • The fee is set by board resolution.
    § 54-12.014 · code text
    The false alarm fee shall be established by board resolution.
False alarms before a fee
  • 3 free false alarms.
    Applies: During any 90-day period.
    § 54-12.014 · code text
    For every false alarm in excess of three during any ninety-day period or eight during any twelve-month period, the subscriber of the errant alarm shall pay a false alarm fee.
  • 8 free false alarms.
    Applies: During any 12-month period.
    § 54-12.014 · code text
    For every false alarm in excess of three during any ninety-day period or eight during any twelve-month period, the subscriber of the errant alarm shall pay a false alarm fee.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a home alarm in Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa County's code: 20 minutes. (§ 54-12.006); A false alarm fee applies. (Applies to every false alarm in excess of 3 in any 90-day period or 8 in any 12-month period.) (§ 54-12.014).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Contra Costa County property

Ask GoCodebook how Contra Costa County's home alarm permits and false alarms rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Contra Costa County Municipal Code — full text