At a glance
Essentials
The code does not describe a general residential alarm permit or registration.
No false-alarm fine is assessed for the first three in a calendar year.
The fourth is $100, the fifth is $200, and the sixth and later are $300 each.
A $240 annual license applies to a direct electrical connection to Erie police or fire control.
Police and fire response
False-alarm fee schedule
Erie counts false alarms by calendar year. The code defines an alarm-device user as the person who occupies the property or has the right to use or control an unoccupied property.
Erie’s third-party billing provider sends the notice. The code says payment is due 30 days after the notice is mailed.
Separate, narrow license
Direct electrical connections
A different section of the city code applies to an individual or business that maintains a direct electrical connection to the Erie fire control center and/or Police Department.
Apply through the City Electrician by December 31 for service the following year.
This limited direct-connection license should not be treated as proof that every residential alarm requires a $240 license.
Coverage note
Fire-alarm information
Erie’s false-alarm article includes alarms involving fire or other emergencies, and the direct-connection license can apply to a fire-control connection. The code sections do not explain installation, inspection or broader residential fire-alarm requirements, so those details remain separate.
Official information
Sources, scope and local contact
Check these government pages before you register, pay a fee or rely on the fine schedule.
Article 349 applies to alarm devices that notify a department directly, notify a person instructed to call, or activate an exterior sounder intended to alert others to a crime, fire or other emergency. Article 926 separately applies only to direct electrical connections to Erie police or fire control. Neither article says that a general residential permit or registration is required.
How we handle uncertainty: If an official source does not say something clearly, we label it “not specified” rather than assume.
Local rules and web pages can change. This review date tells you when the source links and summary were last checked.
AlarmSystemPermit.com is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. Requirements can change, and online information may be incomplete or outdated. Always check current requirements with the appropriate local office.
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