As of September 1, Arlington commercial and residential alarm permits can be applied for online.

Any location with a working burglar alarm system, whether monitored by an alarm company or not, is required to obtain and renew a permit each year.

Diane Collier, IT project manager for the City of Arlington, said the new online application will be more convenient for Arlington residents and business owners, as they will no longer have to mail in their application or take off work to apply for a permit at the Arlington Public Safety Building during normal business hours.

"I think the City will see an increase in the number of people who actually get an alarm permit," Collier said.

The new online self-service option will also increase efficiencies for the Police Department by reducing the amount of mail they receive, said Eve Inman, police program coordinator. "The ability to apply and pay online will automate much of the permitting process and statistical reporting," Inman said.

The Police Department has been developing the means for an online alarm permit application for about two years, Inman said. Requests from citizens for an online self-service option, as well as being able to use credit cards, prompted the creation of the online application. Previously, alarm permit applications had to be mailed or brought in to the Arlington Police Department and credit cards were not accepted for payment.

Operating an alarm without a permit is a violation of the city code, and the user will be issued a citation with a fine amount up to $500. In addition, police typically only respond to alarms at addresses with current permits on file. However, if they do respond to an alarm without a permit, a citation will be issued.

The fee for an alarm permit is $50 per year. They are free to persons age 65 and over or to 100% disabled veterans if the address for the permit is their primary address.

Alarm permits can be applied for online at www.arlingtonpermits.com. The applications can still be downloaded online at www.arlingtonpd.org and mailed or brought in to the Arlington Police Department at 620 W. Division St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact the Arlington Police Department Alarm Office at [email protected] or 817-459-6472.