Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.	Why do I have to register my alarm?
A.	In accordance to the City of Calgary Bylaws 31M95, Section 25 "A Person must not use an alarm system at a premises unless there is a valid and subsisting alarm system permit issued for each alarm system at that premises." Section 25.1 (1) "An applicant for an alarm system permit must make application to the Chief of Police on a form supplied by the Chief of Police furnishing such information as the Chief of Police may require." (2) "A permittee must provide such additional information as the Chief of Police may request from time to time."
Q.	Is there a fee to register or renew?
A.	Yes, an annual non-refundable fee of $15.00 for residential and $20.00 for commercial/financial premises is due with application.
Q.	I have more than one business location or residence in the city of Calgary, do I need to do separate alarm registrations?
A.	Yes. Each location must have a separate registration, even if the information is primarily the same. Alarm permits are non-transferrable to another premise location.
Q.	How can I pay my permit registration &/or renewal?
A.	You may pay your permit fee via: 1)     Mail a cheque or money order to: Calgary Police Service 609, 5111 – 47 Street NE Calgary, AB T3J 3R2 2)     In person, at: Any Calgary Police District Office (see Calgary Police Service website for locations & business hours). District offices DO NOT accept cash. OR CPS, Westwinds Headquarters 5111 – 47 Street NE Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Wednesday: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm CLOSED ALL WEEKENDS AND ALL STATUTORY HOLIDAYS 3)     Online: Simply go to the website https://product.cityalarmpermit.com/famscitizen/calgary/ and click on "Pay Your Bill Now". You will need your account number and invoice number.
Q.	Why do I require keyholders?
A.	Keyholders are mandatory under the City of Calgary Alarm Services Bylaw 31M95, Section 25.11. A minimum of 2 keyholders who do not reside within the alarm premise are required in case of emergency need by a CPS member. Keyholders are authorized alternates if the premise owners are not available to be the first responder to an activated alarm to verify if the alarm is valid or false before dispatching police. Keyholders must be authorized persons to attend & enter the premise and have operational knowledge of the alarm system, including an authorization code to operate the alarm system. A guard service is also considered a valid keyholder, as they are available 24/7. Only 1 guard service is required to meet bylaw requirements. As per bylaws, keyholder requirements are to have 2 non-residents OR a guard service. NOTE: new permit applications cannot be processed without valid keyholders or guard service indicated.
Q.	Are permits transferrable to a new premise address or new owner?
A.	Calgary Police Service alarm permits are not transferrable to a new premise address OR new owners. For both commercial or residential alarmed premises, a new permit application must be made, and applicable permit registration fee is due, for a new premise address &/or new owner. Please notify the CPS, Alarm Bylaw Unit any time a current permit is no longer required.
Q.	I still have more questions, who can I speak with?
A.	Please contact an Alarm Bylaw Administrator at 403-428-8336 or via email at alarmbylaw@calgarypolice.ca. We attempt to return calls &/or respond to emails within 1-2 business days.