Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
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Austin requires alarm permits BEFORE activation. $220 fee per unpermitted response. Texas PSB Class B license required. False alarm fines $75-150 after 3 free responses.
Burglar Alarm Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
Quick Answer: Austin 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. Austin enforces strict false alarm ordinances with a $220 fee per unpermitted alarm response and escalating fines for permitted systems.
Austin has stricter alarm permit enforcement than many Texas cities. Here's what contractors and property owners need to know.
Alarm Permit Requirements
Austin Alarm Ordinance
Anyone operating a monitored or local (audible) alarm system in Austin's Full Purpose jurisdiction must have a permit. This includes:
- Burglar alarms
- Panic alarms
- Fire alarms
- Any system that triggers police or fire response
Permit Categories
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential | Home alarm systems, including apartment tenant units |
| Commercial | Commercial buildings and condominium common areas |
| Principal (Apartment) | Non-residential areas in apartment complexes |
Critical Timing
Your permit must be obtained BEFORE the alarm system is activated. Operating without a permit incurs a $220 fee for each police response.
How to Apply
Option 1: Alarm Administration Portal (Recommended)
Website: dsdalarm.austintexas.gov
- Create account
- Apply directly
- Pay fee online
- Receive permit number
Option 2: Web Form
Use the Alarm Permit Application Web Form if unable to access the portal.
Before Applying
Verify your address is in Austin Full Purpose jurisdiction using the Jurisdiction Web Map.
False Alarm Ordinance
Permitted System Fees
| False Alarms (12 Months) | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1-3 false alarms | No charge |
| 4th false alarm | $75 |
| 5th false alarm | $100 |
| 6th false alarm | $125 |
| 7+ false alarms | $150 per occurrence |
Unpermitted System Penalties
| Violation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unpermitted alarm response | $220 per response |
Texas PSB Licensing Requirements
All alarm contractors in Texas must hold a valid Private Security Bureau license.
License Classifications
- Class A: Investigations company license
- Class B: Security services contractor (required for alarms, CCTV)
- Class C: Combination of Class A and B
Requirements for Class B
- Pass two exams: Technical exam and Texas code exam
- Certified Alarm Technician Level I (for installers)
- Submit application to Texas DPS Private Security Bureau
- Processing time: 6-8 weeks
- Renewal: Annual
Fees and Timeline Summary
| Item | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Alarm Permit | Varies by type | Before activation |
| Unpermitted Alarm Response | $220 | Per response |
| False Alarm Fines | $75-150 | After 3 free responses |
| PSB Class B License | $400-700 | 6-8 weeks |
| PSB Renewal | $200-300 | Annual |
| Permit Renewal | Annual fee | Every 12 months |
Contact Information
Austin Alarm Administration
Phone: 512-974-5730
Email: dsdalarm@austintexas.gov
Website: austintexas.gov/alarms
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 Austin?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Guides
Last updated: January 2025. Requirements change—always confirm with Austin Alarm Administration and Texas DPS before starting work.
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