The purpose of this chapter is to encourage alarm users and alarm companies to properly use and maintain alarm systems and to reduce or eliminate false alarms which may unduly divert law enforcement from responding to criminal activity.
(Ord. 1360 § 1, 2005)
As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter clearly requires otherwise, the words or phrases defined in this section shall have the indicated meanings.
"Alarm Administrator"
means a person or entity designated by the City Chief of Police to administer the City's false alarm reduction program.
"Alarm company"
means the business, by an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity, of selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, replacing, moving, installing or monitoring an alarm system in an alarm site.
"Alarm dispatch request"
means a notification to a law enforcement agency that an alarm, either manual or automatic, has been activated at a particular alarm site.
"Alarm registration"
means the notification by an alarm company or an alarm user to the Alarm Administrator that an alarm system has been installed and is in use.
"Alarm site"
means a single fixed premises or location served by an alarm system or systems. Each tenancy, if served by a separate alarm system in a multitenant building or complex, shall be considered a separate alarm site.
"Alarm system"
means a device or series of devices which emit or transmit a remote or local audible, visual or electronic signal indicating an alarm condition that is intended to or causes law enforcement service to be summoned.
"Alarm user"
means any person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity, other than a public law enforcement agency, who (which) uses or is in control of any alarm system at its alarm site.
"Cancellation" or "responding agency alarm dispatch cancellation"
is the process by which an alarm company providing monitoring verifies with the alarm user or responsible party that a false dispatch has occurred and that there is not an existing situation at the alarm site requiring law enforcement agency response.
"Conversion"
means the transaction or process by which one alarm company begins monitoring of a previously unmonitored alarm system or an alarm system previously monitored by another alarm company.
"Days"
unless otherwise noted, shall mean calendar days to include weekends and holidays.
"Duress alarm"
means a silent alarm system signal generated by the manual activation of a device intended to signal a life-threatening situation or a crime in progress requiring law enforcement response.
"False alarm"
means an alarm dispatch request to a law enforcement agency, when the responding officer finds no evidence of a criminal offense or attempted criminal offense after having completed a timely investigation of the alarm site.
"Holdup alarm"
means a silent alarm signal generated by the manual activation of a device intended to signal a robbery in progress.
"Keypad"
means a device that allows control of an alarm system by the manual entering of a coded sequence of numbers or letters.
"Local alarm system"
means any alarm system that annunciates an alarm only by an internal or external audio device.
"Monitoring"
means the process by which an alarm company receives signals from an alarm system and relays an alarm dispatch request to the City for the purpose of summoning law enforcement response to the alarm site.
"Panic alarm"
means an audible alarm system signal generated by the manual activation of a device intended to signal a life-threatening or emergency situation requiring law enforcement response.
"Person"
means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, organization or similar entity.
"Revocation"
means the cancellation and invalidation of an alarm registration.
"Suspension" or "suspension of response"
means that law enforcement will not respond to an alarm or to an alarm site even though an alarm dispatch request is received by law enforcement.
"Takeover"
means the transaction or process by which an alarm user takes over control of an existing alarm system, which was previously controlled by another alarm user.
"Verify"
means an attempt, by the alarm company or its representative, to contact the alarm site by telephonic or other electronic means, whether or not actual contact with a person is made, before requesting law enforcement dispatch, in an attempt to avoid an unnecessary alarm dispatch request.
"Zones"
are subdivisions into which an alarm system is divided to indicate the general location from which an alarm system signal is transmitted.
(Ord. 1360 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1604 § 8, 2014; Ord. 1818 § 1, 2025)
(1) 
No alarm user shall operate, or cause to be operated, an alarm system at its alarm site without a valid alarm registration issued by the Alarm Administrator. A separate registration is required for each alarm site.
(2) 
For new alarm system installations and alarm takeovers, the initial annual registration and fee for each alarm system must be submitted within five days after the alarm installation or alarm takeover.
(3) 
The registration fee for the year shall be:
Initial alarm registration
$25.00
Renewal of alarm registration
$25.00
Late fee (after 30 days)
$25.00
(4) 
Upon receipt of a completed application form and the alarm registration fee, the Alarm Administrator shall register the applicant unless the applicant has:
(a) 
Failed to pay a fine assessed under this chapter; or
(b) 
Had an alarm registration for the alarm site suspended or revoked, and the violation causing the suspension or revocation has not been corrected.
(5) 
Each alarm registration application shall be on a form approved by the City Chief of Police or their designee and shall provide such information and signed assurances as the Chief or their designee deems necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this chapter.
(6) 
Each alarm registration and renewal shall require a signed acknowledgment by the alarm user of the following:
Registration of an alarm system is not intended to, nor will it, create a contract, duty or obligation, either expressed or implied, of response by the City of Des Moines Police Department. Any and all liability and consequential damage resulting from the failure to respond to a notification is hereby disclaimed and governmental immunity as provided by law is retained. By registering an alarm system, the alarm user acknowledges that police response may be based on many factors, including but not limited to availability of police units, priority of calls, weather conditions, traffic conditions, emergency conditions, and staffing levels.
(7) 
Any false statement of a material fact made by an applicant for the purpose of obtaining an alarm registration shall be sufficient cause for refusal to issue or to revoke a registration.
(8) 
An alarm registration cannot be transferred to another person or alarm site. An alarm user shall inform the Alarm Administrator, within five business days, of any change that alters any information listed on the registration application.
(9) 
All fees owed by an alarm user must be paid before a registration may be issued or renewed.
(Ord. 1360 § 3, 2005; Ord. 1604 § 10, 2014; Ord. 1818 § 2, 2025)
(1) 
A tenant of an apartment with an alarm system shall obtain an alarm registration from the Alarm Administrator before operating or causing the operation of an alarm system in the tenant's residential unit. The owner or property manager of an apartment complex shall obtain a separate alarm registration for any alarm system operated in offices or common areas of the apartment complex.
(2) 
If an alarm system installed by an individual tenant in an apartment complex unit is monitored, the tenant must provide the name of a representative of the apartment owner or property manager who can grant access to the apartment to the alarm company.
(3) 
For purposes of enforcing this chapter against an individual residential unit, the tenant is responsible for false alarms emitted from the alarm system in the tenant's residential unit. The owner or property manager of an apartment complex is responsible for false alarms emitted from an alarm system operated in offices or common areas of the apartment complex.
(4) 
Each apartment unit shall be considered an alarm site.
(Ord. 1360 § 4, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 3, 2025)
An alarm registration shall expire on December 31st of every year, and must be renewed annually by submitting an updated application and a registration renewal fee to the Alarm Administrator. The Alarm Administrator shall notify each alarm user of the need to renew 30 days prior to the expiration of the registration. It is the responsibility of the alarm user to submit an application prior to the registration expiration date.
(Ord. 1360 § 5, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 4, 2025)
(1) 
An alarm user shall maintain the premises and the alarm system in a manner that will minimize or eliminate false alarms, and shall make every reasonable effort to respond or cause a representative to respond to the alarm system's location within 30 minutes when notified by the City to deactivate a malfunctioning alarm system, to provide access to the premises, or to provide alternative security for the premises.
(2) 
An alarm user shall not manually activate an alarm for any reason other than an occurrence of an event that the alarm system was intended to report.
(3) 
An alarm user shall adjust the alarm system or cause the alarm system to be adjusted so that an alarm signal audible on the exterior of an alarm site will sound for no longer than 15 minutes after being activated.
(4) 
An alarm user shall have an alarm company inspect the alarm system after two false alarms in a one-year period. The Alarm Administrator may waive an inspection requirement if it is determined that a false alarm could not have been related to a defect or malfunction in the alarm system. After four false alarms within a one-year period the alarm user must have a properly licensed alarm company modify the alarm system to be more false alarm resistant or provide additional user training as appropriate.
(Ord. 1360 § 6, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 5, 2025)
(1) 
Any alarm company that sells, leases, maintains, services, repairs, alters, replaces, moves, installs or monitors an alarm system at an alarm site within the City shall obtain a City business license in accordance with chapter 5.04 DMMC.
(2) 
Alarm companies shall use control panels tested for conformance to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Security Industry Association (SIA) Control Panel Standard – Features for False Alarm Reduction.
(3) 
An alarm company performing monitoring services shall:
(a) 
Notify the alarm user of the need to register the alarm system;
(b) 
Offer a training period in which no request for dispatch by law enforcement will occur during the first seven days after installation of an alarm system, but rather will use that week to train the alarm user on proper use of the alarm system unless circumstances necessitate immediate requests for response as determined by the Alarm Administrator;
(c) 
Report alarm signals by using telephone numbers designated by the Alarm Administrator;
(d) 
Utilize mandatory enhanced call verification for every alarm signal, except a duress alarm, panic alarm, or a holdup alarm activation, by making a minimum of two calls to attempt to verify an alarm prior to requesting a police response. The first call shall be to the premises protected by the activated alarm. The second call shall be to a separate off-site number such as the mobile telephone of the owner or manager of the property;
(e) 
Designate an alarm company contact person, including the person's name, telephone number and email address, for the Alarm Administrator. The contact person must be knowledgeable about City alarm ordinances and have the authority to make decisions and respond to the requests of the Alarm Administrator;
(f) 
Prepare and submit to the Alarm Administrator a quarterly written report listing all alarm users, alarm sites, addresses and telephone numbers for which the alarm company provides monitoring services for alarms regulated by this chapter;
(g) 
Communicate alarm dispatch requests to the City Police Department in a manner and form determined by the Chief of Police or their designee;
(h) 
Communicate cancellations to the City Police Department in a manner and form determined by the Chief of Police or their designee;
(i) 
Ensure that all alarm users of alarm systems equipped with a duress alarm, panic alarm, or holdup alarm are given adequate training as to the proper use of each type of alarm;
(j) 
Communicate any available information (north, south, front, back, floor, etc.) about the location of the alarm;
(k) 
Communicate type of alarm activation (silent or audible, interior or perimeter);
(l) 
Provide alarm user registration number when requesting dispatch;
(m) 
Endeavor to contact the alarm user when an alarm dispatch request is made; and
(n) 
Maintain records relating to an alarm dispatch request. Records must include the name, address and phone number of the alarm user, the alarm system zone(s) activated, the time of the alarm dispatch request and evidence of an attempt to verify. The Alarm Administrator may request copies of such records for individually named alarm users.
(Ord. 1360 § 7, 2005; Ord. 1379 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1818 § 6, 2025)
(1) 
The Alarm Administrator, at the direction of the Chief of Police, shall:
(a) 
Designate a manner, form and telephone numbers for communication of alarm dispatch requests; and
(b) 
Establish a procedure to accept cancellation of alarm dispatch requests.
(2) 
The Alarm Administrator shall establish a procedure to record such information on alarm dispatch requests necessary to permit the Alarm Administrator to maintain records, including, but not limited to, the following information:
(a) 
Identification of the registration number for the alarm site;
(b) 
Identification of the alarm site;
(c) 
Date and time the alarm dispatch request was received;
(d) 
Date and time of law enforcement officer arrival at the alarm site;
(e) 
Zone, if available;
(f) 
Name of alarm user's representative on premises, if any;
(g) 
Identification of the responsible alarm company; and
(h) 
Cause of alarm, if known.
(3) 
The Alarm Administrator shall establish a procedure for the notification to the alarm user of a false alarm. The notice shall include the following information:
(a) 
The date and time of law enforcement response to the false alarm;
(b) 
The identification number of the responding law enforcement officer(s); and
(c) 
Such other notices, requirements and procedures as deemed necessary by the City Chief of Police to carry out the intent and purposes of this chapter.
(4) 
If there is reason to believe that an alarm system is not being used or maintained in a manner that ensures proper operation and suppresses false alarms, the Chief of Police or their designee may require a conference with an alarm user and the alarm company responsible for the repair of the alarm system to review the circumstances of each false alarm.
(Ord. 1360 § 8, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 7, 2025)
(1) 
Any person operating a nonregistered alarm system (whether registration was revoked, not renewed, or never acquired) will be subject to a $200.00 fine in addition to any other applicable fines.
(2) 
An alarm user shall be subject to fines as stated in subsection (3) of this section depending on the number and type of false alarms emitted from an alarm system within a 12-month period. In addition to fines, an alarm user shall receive a warning of possible suspension of response or registration revocation upon the first three false alarms. In addition to fines, the Chief of Police or their designee may suspend service or revoke an alarm user's alarm registration after the fourth or more false alarm in a 12-month period, or if they determine that such suspension or revocation is necessary for public safety and/or effective law enforcement.
(3) 
The fines for a false alarm shall be:
Number of False Alarms Within 12-Month Period
Fine
1
None
2
Standard Alarm
$100.00
Duress or Panic
$150.00
Holdup Alarm
$200.00
3
Standard Alarm
$150.00
Duress or Panic
$200.00
Holdup Alarm
$250.00
4*
Standard Alarm
$200.00
Duress or Panic
$250.00
Holdup Alarm
$300.00
Notes:
* Or the actual cost of response as determined by the Chief of Police or their designee
(4) 
An alarm company will be subject to a $200.00 fine per event if the Chief of Police or their designee determines that the alarm company has failed to comply with any of the duties set forth in this chapter or that:
(a) 
The alarm company directly caused a false alarm. In this situation the fine will be assessed against the alarm company and will not be counted against the alarm user;
(b) 
There is a consistent pattern or written policy against verification;
(c) 
An alarm company employee made a false statement concerning the inspection of an alarm site or the performance of an alarm system; or
(d) 
An alarm company requests law enforcement dispatch to an alarm site after notification that the response has been suspended or registration has been revoked and/or is subject to enforcement and penalties set forth in this chapter.
(5) 
Any due and unpaid alarm registration fee and all fines and penalties imposed by this chapter may be collected by civil action, which remedy shall be in addition to any and all other existing remedies and penalties.
(Ord. 1360 § 9, 2005; Ord. 1379 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1604 § 9, 2014; Ord. 1818 § 8, 2025)
(1) 
The Chief of Police or their designee may suspend alarm response or revoke an alarm user's registration if it is determined that:
(a) 
The alarm user has four or more false alarms in one 12-month period; or
(b) 
There is a false statement of a material fact in the application for a registration; or
(c) 
The alarm user has failed to make timely payment of a fee or fine assessed under this chapter; or
(d) 
The alarm user has failed to submit a written certification from an alarm company, that complies with the requirements of this chapter, stating that the alarm system has been inspected and repaired (if necessary) by the alarm company.
(2) 
Unless there is separate indication that there is a crime in progress, the Police Department may refuse law enforcement response to an alarm dispatch request at an alarm site for which the alarm registration is revoked.
(3) 
If the alarm registration is reinstated, the Chief of Police or their designee may suspend alarm response if it is determined that two false alarms have occurred within 60 days after the reinstatement date.
(Ord. 1360 § 10, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 9, 2025)
(1) 
The Alarm Administrator shall notify the alarm user in writing after the first, second and third false alarms. The notification shall include:
(a) 
The amount of the fine for each false alarm;
(b) 
The fact that response may be suspended or the registration revoked after the fourth false alarm; and
(c) 
A description of the appeals procedure available to the alarm user.
(2) 
The Alarm Administrator will notify the alarm user and the alarm company in writing after the fourth false alarm that alarm response has been suspended and/or that the alarm permit has been revoked. This notice of suspension will also include:
(a) 
The amount of the fine for each subsequent false alarm; and
(b) 
A description of the appeals procedure available to the alarm user and the alarm company.
(Ord. 1360 § 11, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 10, 2025)
(1) 
An alarm user or an alarm company may appeal the assessment of a fine, suspension, or permit revocation to the Chief of Police or their designee. An appeal fee of $25.00 shall accompany the appeal. Appeal fees will be returned to the alarm user or the alarm company if the appeal is upheld. The filing of an appeal with the Chief of Police or their designee stays the assessment of the fine or suspension until the Chief of Police or their designee makes a final decision.
(2) 
The alarm user shall file a written appeal to the Chief of Police or their designee by setting forth the reasons for the appeal within 10 days after receipt of the fine.
(3) 
If the Chief of Police or their designee denies the issuance or renewal of an alarm registration, or suspends response, the Chief of Police or their designee shall send written notice of the action and a statement of the right to an appeal to either the applicant or alarm user and the alarm company.
(4) 
An alarm user or alarm company may appeal the decision of the Chief of Police or their designee to the City Hearing Examiner in accordance with chapter 18.240 DMMC.
(Ord. 1360 § 12, 2005; Ord. 1379 § 3, 2006; Ord. 1604 § 11, 2014; Ord. 1818 § 11, 2025)
A person whose alarm response has been suspended or alarm registration has been revoked may have alarm response or registration reinstated if the person has abided by the following:
(1) 
Submits an updated application and the registration fee;
(2) 
Pays, or otherwise resolves, all citations and fines;
(3) 
Submits a certification from an alarm company that complies with the requirements of this chapter, stating that the alarm system has been inspected and repaired (if necessary) by the alarm company; and
(4) 
Pays an inspection and reinstatement fee of $25.00.
(Ord. 1360 § 13, 2005; Ord. 1818 § 12, 2025)
Information contained in registration applications and applications for appeals shall be held in confidence by all employees or representatives of the city and by any third-party administrator or employees of a third-party administrator with access to such information.
(Ord. 1360 § 14, 2005)