How do I register my alarm system?
If you are not registered with the City, please complete the online registration under “New Alarm Users”. Payment 
can be made by check, money order, cashier's check or certified check payable to “Reading False Alarm 
Reduction Program” and mail to: Lockbox Number 7322 PO Box 8500 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19178-7322 
Permits are nontransferable. Permits are permanent from the date of creation. 

What is the cost of an alarm permit registration?
The cost of an alarm permit registration is as follows:
Residential and Commercial Properties: $25

Who determines the fee amount for false alarms?
The Reading City Council approved the alarm ordinance that outlines the fee structure for false
alarms.

Who is required to have an alarm permit/license?
Everyone operating an alarm system inside the city limits is required to register their alarm system. The following 
locations must register but are not required to pay the registration fee after approval. If you feel you fall under one 
of the following categories please contact us for proper documentation. Government, state, county, municipal 
entities and residential alarm user(s) over the age of 65 and the primary resident of the resident are exempt from 
paying the registration fee.

Are false alarms a problem?
Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of 
false alarms. The response to false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. 
Nationwide, approximately 99% of all burglar alarms police respond to are false.

What does the City hope to accomplish by enforcing the false alarm ordinance?
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.

Will I be charged for alarm activations that are not false?
No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false, this ordinance allows charges for false 
alarms only.
What if my alarm is activated accidentally?
For the first false alarm activation within a calendar year, there is no fee. All additional false alarm activation fees 
are as follows:
False Alarms:
? 2 & 3 $50
? 4 & 5 $100
? 6 to 9 $150
? 10 to 12 $250
? 13+ $500

If I disagree with an assessed fee, can I appeal?
Yes. The alarm user may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fee to the Chief of Police by filing
a request with the Police Administration by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal within
fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of the notification of the assessment of civil penalty(ies).
Payment of the fine/fee MUST be paid in full at the time of the filing of the appeal. Such payment
will be refunded within thirty (30) calendar days should the alleged violator win the appeal.
The appeal hearing will be held before the Police Chief or his/her designee. The Police Chief or
his/her designee will render a decision in writing after the hearing.

Do I have to register my car alarm?
No, car alarms do not need to be registered.
Where do I send my check?
The mailing address is:
Reading False Alarm Reduction Program
Lockbox Number 7322
PO Box 8500
Philadelphia, PA 19178-7322

We do not accept online payments at this time. 

What will happen if I do not pay my alarm fees?
Offenders may be cited for non-payment with a PA state non-traffic citation and will be required to go to court. If 
after 10 days payment is not made, an arrest warrant will be issued for the offender.
What is the effective date for the ordinance?
The most recent alarm ordinance went into effect in July 19, 2012.
I received duplicate alarm invoices at my address; what can I do?
If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us at (855) 372-4757 so we can delete the incorrect 
invoice(s).
Who can I call if I have additional questions or comments?
Call us at (855) 372-4757, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Online Registration  Jurisdiction Website  Ordinance