The City of Durham's Rules and Regulations for Police and Fire Alarm Systems, City Ordinance 13194,
A police or fire alarm is deemed false if the responding units find no evidence of unauthorized or attempted unauthorized intrusion, robbery or attempted robbery, evidence of fire or medical emergency. False alarms include accidental, avoidable, and unnecessary alarm activation due to user error, equipment malfunction and improper or unsuited equipment.
Alarm users are required to obtain an alarm after the first false alarm incident. When police or fire officials respond to a false alarm at a business or residence, the owner will be sent a written notice to obtain a permit within 30 days. After 30 days, if the owner has not applied for a permit, a $100 fine will be assessed for each false alarm that occurs while the system is without a permit. This fine is in addition to other civil penalties based on the schedule shown below.
Alarm permits can be obtained from the links on this web page, or at the Business License Office located at Durham City Hall, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701.
Each calendar year, alarm users are given written notice after the first and second false alarm. After the second false alarm, users are required to pay a civil penalty for repeated false alarms based on the following schedule.
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1st & 2nd false alarm | Written Notice |
| 3rd & 4th false alarm | $100 each |
| 5th & 6th false alarm | $150 each |
| 7th & 8th false alarm | $200 each |
| 9th false alarm | $250 each |
| 10th & each after | $300 each |
For example, if between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007, a residence has three false alarms, there will be no charge for the first two and $100 for the third. However, if there are seven false alarms in 2007, there would be no charge for the first two, $100 for the third, $100 for the fourth, $150 for the fifth, $150 for the sixth, and $200 for the seventh, for a total of $700.
Alarm users are responsible for any and all false alarms generated by their alarm system and all civil penalties assessed whether or not an alarm system permit was issued. Assessments of civil penalties and other enforcement decisions under the ordinance may be appealed by filling a written notice of appeal within 30 days of the initial billing of the incident(s).
The City encourages alarm users to have their systems inspected, repaired or replaced if necessary, and all users properly trained in its operation. For more information, call Durham One Call at 560-1200 or view the entire Ordinance at http://www.durhamnc.gov/council/pdf/false_alarms_ordinance.pdf.
The City of Durham False Alarm Ordinance defines a "false alarm" as activation of an Alarm System that elicits a response by police, fire, or other emergency response units when no situation requiring such a response exists because the responding party finds no evidence of unauthorized intrusion, attempted unauthorized intrusion, robbery, attempted robbery, fire products of combustion or medical emergency. False Alarm includes accidental, avoidable, and unnecessary alarm activation due to user error, equipment malfunction, improper or unsuited equipment, but does not include alarm activation caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the Alarm System User."
Appeals will not be granted for false alarms that are the result of:
This list is intended as a guide to assist you in deciding whether to appeal a false alarm or contact your alarm company.This list is not intended to cover every situation for which an appeal may be denied.
All appeals must be in writing and should be directed to ATTN: False Alarm Appeal, City of Durham, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701. Be sure to include your name, the alarm location, date of the false alarm, your permit number, reasons for the appeal, and any supporting evidence.