Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Arlington, Texas

Quick Answer: Arlington requires alarm permits for all monitored burglar alarm systems before activation. Texas mandates DPS Private Security Bureau (PSB) Class B licensing for all alarm contractors. Arlington enforces strict false alarm ordinances with escalating fees starting after 3 free responses.

Arlington, located between Dallas and Fort Worth, has comprehensive alarm regulations that contractors and property owners must follow.

Alarm Permit Requirements

Arlington Alarm Ordinance

The City of Arlington requires alarm permits for all monitored systems that may trigger police or fire response:

• Residential burglar alarms
• Commercial intrusion systems
• Panic and hold-up alarms
• Fire alarm systems (fire department response)

Permit Application Process

1. Apply through Arlington Police Department
2. Complete alarm permit application
3. Provide property address and emergency contacts
4. Submit alarm company and monitoring details
5. Pay permit fee
6. Receive permit number before system activation

Critical Requirement

Permit must be obtained BEFORE the alarm system is activated. Operating without a permit results in additional fees per response.

False Alarm Ordinance

Arlington enforces a progressive false alarm penalty structure.

False Alarm Fee Structure

False Alarms (12 Months)	Fee
1-3 false alarms	No charge
4th false alarm	$50
5th false alarm	$75
6th false alarm	$100
7+ false alarms	$100+ per occurrence

Unpermitted Alarm Response

Additional penalties for responding to unpermitted alarms—obtain your permit before activation.

Texas PSB Licensing Requirements

All alarm contractors in Texas must hold a valid Private Security Bureau license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

License Classifications

• Class A: Investigations company license
• Class B: Security services contractor (required for alarms, CCTV)
• Class C: Combination of Class A and B operations

Requirements for Class B License

1. Pass examinations: Technical exam and Texas code exam
2. Alarm technician certification: Certified Alarm Technician Level I
3. Application: Submit to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
4. Background check: Criminal history review
5. Insurance: Proof of liability coverage
6. Processing time: 6-8 weeks

Annual Renewal

PSB licenses require annual renewal with continuing education requirements.

Installation Best Practices

Reducing False Alarms

• Use pet-immune motion detectors appropriately
• Proper door/window contact placement
• Train all users thoroughly
• Test systems before activation
• Regular maintenance schedules

Customer Documentation

• Provide system operation manual
• Document all user codes
• Include monitoring company contacts
• Explain false alarm ordinance

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Cost	Timeline
Arlington Alarm Permit	$50/year	Before activation
False Alarm Fines	$50-100+	After 3 free responses
PSB Class B License	$400-700	6-8 weeks
PSB Renewal	$200-300	Annual

Contact Information

Arlington Police Department - Alarm Unit
Phone: (817) 459-5700
Website: arlingtontx.gov/police

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
Phone: (512) 424-7293
Website: dps.texas.gov/private-security

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Guides

• Security Camera Permits in Arlington, TX
• Burglar Alarm Permits in Dallas, TX
• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements change—always confirm with Arlington Police and Texas DPS before starting work.