Frequently Asked Questions
The alarm ordinance is posted online on this website - The City of Boulder Colorado - Ordinance No. 8123
The City wants to substantially reduce the number of false alarms that the police department responds to, thereby freeing up police resources to respond to emergencies.
Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response of false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, approximately 99 percent of all burglar alarms police respond to are false.
Make sure that you immediately report your false alarm to your alarm company, so they can cancel with police dispatch prior to police arrival to your home or business. Ensure that everyone in your household or business has been properly trained on your alarm system. Make sure your alarm system is in good working order and inspected periodically by your alarm company.
Please complete the online registration form. You may also contact the Boulder False Alarm Reduction Program at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m MT.
The annual fee for a permit or permit renewal is $35.00.
Everyone operating an alarm system inside the city limits is required to register their alarm system.
No, car alarms do not need to be registered.
The fees are used to offset the City’s administrative costs of the program.
False alarm activations within a rolling 365 days:
First False Alarm $0.00
Second False Alarm $100.00
Third False Alarm $200.00
Fourth False Alarm $300.00
Fifth and Over False Alarm $450.00
No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false. This ordinance allows charges for false alarms only.
Yes, you can pay for any fees due on your account via this website by clicking on the home tab and logging in with credentials initiated by CitySupport and secured by the alarm user.
Boulder Police Department - False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 19936
Boulder, CO 80308
The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fine to the Alarm Administrator by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal within thirty (30) days of the notice date. The Alarm Administrator will render a decision in writing. Be sure to include the following with your appeal:
- Your name
- Your email address (if applicable)
- The alarm location
- Date of the false alarm
- Your permit number
- Reasons for the appeal
- Any supporting evidence
Appeals must be sent to boulderco@citysupport.org or via US Mail to:
Boulder Police Department - False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 19936
Boulder, CO 80308
Yes, the alarm user may file a written request via email boulderco@citysupport.org or the US Mail within 7 days of the appeal denial notification.
Boulder Police Department - False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 19936
Boulder, CO 80308
Failure to pay the alarm fines within 30 days and/or the 5th false alarm will result in the suspension of police response to the alarm location.
The alarm ordinance went into effect on March 1, 2017.
If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please email us, or contact us at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm MT so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number and the account/permit numbers that need to be combined or deleted.
Call CitySupport at 888-865-9770, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm MT.