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El Cerrito · Building on your lot

Home alarm permits and false alarms in El Cerrito

El Cerrito'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 El Cerrito Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What El Cerrito's code says

El Cerrito code What El Cerrito's code adds
False alarm fees
  • $74 per false alarm. The first false alarm is free.
    Applies: Applies to the second through fifth false alarm within 12 months at a single site.
    § 6.55.060 · code text
    Second thru fifth false alarm | $74.00
  • $158 per false alarm.
    Applies: Applies to the sixth and later false alarm within 12 months at a single site.
    § 6.55.060 · code text
    Sixth and subsequent false alarm | $158.00
  • At most $500 per day.
    § 6.55.060 · code text
    The maximum fee per day shall not exceed $500.00.
  • $100 for each false alarm, in addition to other fees.
    Applies: Applies to an unpermitted alarm system. May be waived if you apply for a permit within 10 business days of notice.
    § 6.55.060 · code text
    Any person operating an unpermitted alarm system will be subject to a fine of $100.00 for each false alarm in addition to any other fines.
Alarm permit
  • An alarm user permit is required. The application fee is currently $26, set by council resolution.
    § 6.55.040 · code text
    Said application shall be signed by both the alarm user and by the alarm business, be accompanied by the required application fee (set by resolution and included within the city master fee schedule—currently $26.00 for residential and commercial)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a home alarm in El Cerrito?

El Cerrito's code: $74 per false alarm. The first false alarm is free. (Applies to the second through fifth false alarm within 12 months at a single site.) (§ 6.55.060); $158 per false alarm. (Applies to the sixth and later false alarm within 12 months at a single site.) (§ 6.55.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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El Cerrito Municipal Code — full text