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1. Why do I need an alarm permit?

An alarm permit is required by City of McKinney Ordinance for any alarm system that emits or transmits a remote audible, visual or electronic signal indicating an alarm condition and intended to summon law enforcement response.

2. What happens if I operate an alarm system without a valid permit?

Under City of McKinney Ordinance 2018-03-024 Sec. 10-21, “A person commits an offense if he operates, or causes to be operated an alarm system without a valid permit issued by the Chief.  An alarm permit is not valid if it has been denied or revoked, has not been renewed, or has expired." 

Section 10-41 – Violations; penalty.  “A person who violates a provision of this article is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is committed, continued or permitted, and each offense is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 as follows:

• A minimum fine of $200 for the first conviction
• A minimum fine of $250 for the second through fifth conviction
• A minimum fine of $400 for each conviction after the fifth conviction."

3. What is a monitored alarm system?

Monitoring is the process by which a monitoring company receives signals from an alarm system and relays an alarm dispatch request to the municipality for the purpose of summoning law enforcement to the alarm site.

4. How much will I be charged for a false alarm?

See City of McKinney Ordinance 2018-03-024, Section 10-24 for fees related to false alarms.

5. How can I appeal a false alarm fee?

See City of McKinney Ordinance 2018-03-024, Section 10-33 – Appeal from penalty fee, denial or revocation of a permit.

6. What is a keyholder and who should be listed?

A keyholder / responder is an individual capable of reaching the alarm site within 45 minutes and having access to the alarm site, the code to the alarm system and the authority to approve repairs to the alarm system.

7. What should I put in the “Other Information” category and why?

Please include information that would be important for law enforcement to know when they respond to the alarm site, such as weapons, pets, security cameras, special needs residents, etc., on the premises.

8. Are alarm permits transferrable?

No. An alarm permit is nontransferable. If you move, you will need to get an alarm permit for the new alarm location.

9. How do I update my contact information?

You may login to your alarm permit account online and make changes to your account. Changes can also be made by coming to the McKinney Police Department in person.

10. How do I cancel my alarm permit?

A request to cancel must be done in writing. You may cancel by sending an email to the Police Department. You may also come to the Police Department in person or mail a request to the McKinney Police Department Alarm Unit at 2200 Taylor Burk Dr., McKinney, TX  75071.

11. Does the City of McKinney Provide Home Security Inspections?

No, the McKinney Police Department does not provide home security inspections.