A security alarm is supposed to bring help, not a fine in the mail. In Edmonton, monitored alarms are regulated under the Alarm Systems Bylaw (Bylaw 10922), administered by the Edmonton Police Service. Here is a plain-language explanation of what's required and how the charges work.
Fees and bylaws change. Confirm the current numbers with the Edmonton Police Service Alarm Bylaw Program before relying on the figures below.
Yes, Edmonton Requires a Permit
This is the part most people miss. Under Bylaw 10922, the proprietor of any premises with an operating alarm system must hold a valid alarm permit issued by the Edmonton Police Service. It is not optional, and it applies to homes as well as businesses.
The permit registers your address and contact details so responders know who to reach. At the time of writing, a new permit application is $30, and reinstating a lapsed permit is also $30.
Two consequences of not having one are worth knowing:
- Operating an alarm system without a valid permit carries a $300 violation ticket.
- EPS will not respond to an alarm at an unpermitted address unless there is information suggesting an emergency or criminal act is in progress or has occurred.
That second point is the real cost. An unpermitted alarm is, for practical purposes, an alarm that doesn't summon police.
The permit has to be in your name
Worth being clear about this, because people often assume the installer handles it: the permit is the property owner's responsibility and has to be applied for by you. The bylaw places the obligation on the proprietor of the premises, and we can't submit it on your behalf.
What we do instead is hand you the paperwork on install day, so it's in front of you while the system is fresh in your mind rather than something you mean to get to later. Filling it in and submitting it is a short job — but it does have to be you who does it.
One related step people miss: once your permit is issued, the bylaw requires you to give your monitoring company your permit number and the information from your application. Skipping that carries a $100 fine. If we're monitoring for you, just send it over and we'll put it on file.
What False Alarms Actually Cost
There is a common belief that the first false alarm or two is a free warning. In Edmonton, that is not how it works. Where a false alarm results in EPS attending, the permit holder is charged per occurrence:
- Residential — $75
- Small business (under 500 sq. m) — $100
- Large business (over 500 sq. m) — $150
These apply to intrusion alarms. Panic and hold-up alarms are not enforced under the current bylaw.
Other Fines in the Bylaw
A few obligations sit with the permit holder, each carrying a $100 fine:
- Failing to give your monitoring company your permit number and the information from your permit application
- Failing to notify the Chief of Police when your permit information changes
- Supplying incorrect, incomplete or misleading information on the application
Two more sit with the alarm company rather than you: failing to make reasonable efforts to verify an alarm before calling EPS ($500), and using an automatic calling device to dial 911 ($750). Worth knowing when you're choosing a monitoring provider — the bylaw expects them to verify before dispatching.
Surrounding Municipalities
Bylaw 10922 is Edmonton's. Leduc, Beaumont, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and Nisku set their own rules, and some differ substantially. If you're outside Edmonton city limits, check with your own municipality rather than assuming these numbers apply.
What Causes False Alarms
In our experience the usual culprits are:
- User error. Wrong code, or family members who were never shown how to disarm.
- Pets. Motion sensors not configured for animals in the home.
- Doors and windows. Sensors on poorly fitting doors that drift in the wind.
- Dead batteries. A low battery can throw a fault.
- Decorations or fans. Moving objects in front of a motion detector.
Nearly all of these come down to setup and training, which is where a careful installer earns their keep.
How a Good Install Keeps You Out of Trouble
At $75 a time for a residential false alarm, a badly configured system gets expensive quickly. When we install a system we:
- Place motion sensors to suit your layout and your pets
- Make sure every household member can arm and disarm confidently
- Set sensible entry and exit delays
- Install Ajax Systems equipment, which supports photo verification — so an alarm can be visually confirmed before anyone calls for a response
- Give you the alarm permit forms on install day, so the paperwork doesn't get forgotten
That last point matters here. The bylaw fines monitoring companies for failing to verify alarms. Equipment that makes verification easy is working in your favour.
Because we're a local team in Leduc rather than a call centre, you can reach us at 825-957-1200 with a question instead of working through a phone tree. See more on our home services page.
Self-Monitoring and Permits
If you self-monitor, alerts go to your phone and you decide whether to call police. Because there's no automatic dispatch, the permit picture can look different — but don't assume you're exempt. Confirm your situation with EPS directly. Professional monitoring, where a centre can request a response, clearly falls under the bylaw. Monitoring is always optional with us; a fully-monitored option is available, just ask for a quote.
FAQ
Do I need a permit for my home alarm in Edmonton? If your alarm system is operating in Edmonton, Bylaw 10922 requires a valid permit. Without one you risk a $300 ticket, and EPS will not respond to your alarm absent evidence of an actual emergency.
Will I be fined for one false alarm? Yes — Edmonton charges per occurrence, currently $75 residential, $100 small business, $150 large business. There is no free-warning tier.
How do I stop false alarms? Proper sensor placement, pet-aware settings, fresh batteries, and making sure everyone knows the codes. A good install prevents most of them.
Where do I get a permit? Through the Edmonton Police Service Alarm Bylaw Program. Check their site for the current application process and fees.
Can Loch Security apply for the permit for me? No. The bylaw puts the obligation on the property owner, so the application has to come from you. We give you the forms on install day so you have everything in hand, but submitting it is your step.
Get a Free Assessment
Avoid false-alarm headaches with a system set up right the first time. Book a free, no-pressure assessment by calling 825-957-1200 or visiting our contact page.