Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Allegheny County and its municipalities require alarm registration for monitored burglar alarm systems. Pennsylvania does not mandate state licensing for alarm contractors, but local false alarm ordinances apply with fines typically starting after 2-3 free responses. Pittsburgh and other municipalities within the county have their own specific requirements.

Understanding alarm regulations in Allegheny County requires awareness of both county-level policies and individual municipal ordinances.

Alarm Registration Requirements

Who Needs to Register?

Property owners with monitored burglar alarm systems that dispatch law enforcement must register their alarms. This includes:

Residential intrusion alarms
Commercial burglar alarms
Panic and duress alarms
Hold-up alarms

Registration Process

Contact your local municipality's police department
Complete alarm registration form
Provide emergency contact information
Submit monitoring company details
Pay applicable registration fee

False Alarm Policies

False alarms waste police resources and result in fines for property owners. Most municipalities in Allegheny County follow similar false alarm protocols.

Typical Fee Structure

False Alarms (Annual)	Typical Fine
1-2 false alarms	No charge
3rd false alarm	$50-100
4th false alarm	$100-150
5+ false alarms	$150-300 per occurrence

Fees vary by municipality. Pittsburgh has its own specific ordinance.

Reducing False Alarms

Proper user training on system operation
Regular system maintenance
Pet-immune motion sensors where appropriate
Secure doors and windows before arming
Update contact lists with monitoring company

Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a state-level license requirement specifically for burglar alarm contractors. However, certain requirements apply.

What's Required

No state alarm license: PA lacks dedicated alarm contractor licensing
Home Improvement Contractor Registration: Required for residential work over $500
Business registration: Register with PA Department of State
Local business license: May be required by municipality

PA Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration

If performing residential alarm work over $500:

Register with PA Attorney General's Office
Provide proof of liability insurance
Pay registration fee
Display HIC number on contracts and advertisements

Installation Considerations

Electrical Permits

Electrical permits may be required for:

New electrical circuit installation
Hardwired system installations
Commercial alarm system installations

Contact Allegheny County or your local building department for requirements.

UL Compliance

For commercial installations and insurance requirements:

UL 681 for Central Station Alarm services
UL 1023 for Household Burglar Alarm units
UL 2050 for National Industrial Security Systems

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
Alarm Registration	$0-50/year	Before activation
False Alarm Fines	$50-300	After grace period
PA HIC Registration	$50	Before residential work
Business License	Varies	Before operating

Major Municipalities

Key municipalities in Allegheny County with their own alarm ordinances:

Pittsburgh (largest city)
Penn Hills
Ross Township
Bethel Park
Mount Lebanon
Monroeville

Contact Information

Allegheny County Police
Phone: (412) 473-1200
Website: alleghenycounty.us/police

Allegheny County Development
Phone: (412) 350-1000
Website: alleghenycounty.us

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when commercial projects requiring burglar alarm systems hit permits in Allegheny County?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Pennsylvania and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements vary by municipality—always confirm with your local jurisdiction before starting work.