What is the Multnomah County False Alarm Reduction Program?
This program is managed and staffed by the Sheriff’s Office but is a multi-jurisdictional program which represents the cities of Gresham, Maywood Park, Troutdale and Wood Village as well as the unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. The program issues permits and enforces the various alarm ordinances including imposition and collection of fees for excessive false alarms. Links to the ordinances are located on the main alarms webpage here

Are Alarm Permits Mandatory?
Multnomah County and all cities within the county have ordinances that require all residents or businesses that operate a robbery/burglary alarm to obtain and maintain alarm permit(s). Alarm permits are required even if you do not have alarm monitoring service. At this time, fire alarm systems do not require a permit.

Who will issue my permit? When will it expire?
Based on the alarm location, alarm permits are issued by the City of Portland, the City of Fairview or Multnomah County. Links to Portland and Fairview are located on the main alarms webpage here Please contact our office if you are unsure where to submit your application.

Alarm permits issued by Multnomah County expire each year on March 31st. When you originally apply for your permit, you may be eligible to pay a pro-rated fee. Alarm Permits are automatically invoiced for renewal approximately one month before they expire. Permits must be renewed every year or may be canceled if you move or disconnect your alarm.

Permits are not transferable between different addresses or different alarm users.

What is the cost of an alarm permit? How much are false alarm fees?

Costs for alarm permits vary based on the alarm ordinance that covers the alarm location. Permits for Commercial alarm users have different fees than permits for residential alarm users. A reduction or waiver of the residential permit fee may be granted if you meet certain age or economic criteria.

False alarm fees vary based on combinations of the following factors: the alarm location, whether the alarm is residential or commercial, and whether it is the first false alarm during the permit year, second during the permit year, etc.

Please click here to review the current fee schedule for our service area.

Can I get a permit on line or make a payment on line?
We are working toward this goal. At this time, the permit application can be obtained online but payments must be made by check, money order or exact cash. You can pay fees through the mail or in person at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

What happens to my alarm permit information?
Permit information is entered into the 911 database to help when police are dispatched due to an alarm at your address. Permit documents are kept by the Sheriff’s Office in a secure manner as required by law and shredded if disposed.

How do I cancel my alarm permit or update my alarm permit information?
You must maintain an active alarm permit unless you move or discontinue using your alarm system. Please send your cancellation request in writing through the mail or to our email address alarms@mcso.us
If you need to update your permit information, submit the changes in writing or telephone us.

What is a “false alarm”? Who decides if an alarm incident is “false”?
A false alarm is defined as a completed alarm dispatch where the responding law enforcement officer determines that there is no evidence of a crime or attempted crime. If your alarm is triggered but no officer is dispatched, or if the dispatch is cancelled prior to the officer’s arrival, or if there is evidence of a crime or attempted crime, no designation of “false alarm” will be applied.

What if my system has malfunctioned? What if my alarm company makes a mistake?
We recommend that you coordinate with your alarm company to frequently test the operation of your alarm system. Ensure that sensors are operating properly and that batteries are not allowed to become weak. System malfunction does not qualify as a reason to have a false alarm designation or fee reversed.

Your alarm company acts as your agent to contact law enforcement in the event of an emergency. If you feel that your alarm company erred, you will need to address this with them. Alarm company errors do not qualify as a reason to have a false alarm designation or fee reversed.

What if I disagree with a false alarm designation?
If you disagree with a false alarm designation, there are some circumstances where the designation and/or fee may be reversed. Upon your request, the Alarm Coordinator will review the circumstances of the false alarm. You may also request a formal hearing where you can present evidence to the Sheriff’s Office. Please review the back of your false alarm invoice for more information to assess your potential eligibility for false alarm designation reversal.