False Alarms penalties in a Permit Year:
A permit year is defined as a twelve (12) month period beginning on the day and month on which an alarm permit is issued.
1) First false alarm during permit year: $50.00
2) Second false alarm during permit year: $100.00
3) Third false alarm during permit year: $150.00
4) Fourth false alarm during permit year: $200.00
5) Fifth and subsequent false alarm during permit year: $250.00
6) Failure to register or failure to renew permit: $100.00
7) Other violations $100.00
Excessive false alarms.
It is hereby found and determined that eight (8) or more false alarms within a permit year is excessive, constitutes a public nuisance, and shall be unlawful. After eight (8) false alarms within a permit year, the police response may be restricted to dispatching to only verified alarms.
Alarm User Awareness Class
The city will grant the alarm user to reduce or waive one assessed penalty, not to exceed $50.00, and not to exceed 1 assessed fee in a permit year by taking Alarm User Awareness Class. (See above definition of a permit year)
Guidelines to Appeal
Appeals Process. Assessments of civil penalty(ies) and other enforcement decisions made under this Chapter may be appealed by filing a written notice of appeal with the San Rafael Police Department within thirty (30) days after the date of notification of the assessment of civil penalty(ies) or other enforcement decision. The failure to file a notice of appeal within this time period shall constitute a waiver of the right to contest the assessment of penalty(ies) or other enforcement decision. Appeals shall be determined through an administrative process established by the City including a hearing by a hearing officer appointed by the City. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the hearing officer may obtain review of the decision by filing a notice of appeal with the Marin County courts in accordance with the timelines and provisions set forth in California Government Code section 53069.4.
Appeal Process:
The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fine to the Alarm Administrator by setting forth in writing the reasons for the appeal within thirty (30) days of the notice date. The Alarm Administrator will render a decision in writing. Be sure to include the following with your appeal:
● Your name
● Your email address (if applicable)
● The alarm location
● Date of the false alarm
● Your permit number
● Reasons for the appeal
● Any supporting evidence (police reports, alarm company documentation, etc)
Appeals can be sent via email using the Contact Us page or by mailing the request to San Rafael Police Department - Alarm Unit Po Box 11194 San Rafael, CA 94912.
Appeal Standard
The hearing officer shall review an appeal from the assessment of civil penalty(ies) or other enforcement decisions using a preponderance of the evidence standard. Notwithstanding a determination that the preponderance of the evidence supports the assessment of civil penalty(ies) or other enforcement decision, the hearing officer shall have the discretion to dismiss or reduce civil penalty(ies) or reverse any other enforcement decision where warranted.