About the License
If a company monitors alarm systems within Newcastle city limits, it must have two licenses to operate. One is a City of Newcastle Business License issued through the state, and the other is a City-issued Alarm System Operator’s License. These licenses allow the company to use Newcastle Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office to respond to alarm calls (NMC 8.05).
In addition, every alarm system (device) the company monitors in the city must be registered and an annual fee must be paid for each device. The City also requires quarterly reports listing all monitored alarm systems.
How To Apply
To begin, the company must first obtain a business license through the Washington State Department of Revenue. After that, the company submits an Alarm System Operator’s License application to the City of Newcastle. Once the City receives the application, staff will request the list of alarm systems monitored in the city and confirm the fee amount. Fees vary based on the number of devices monitored and may be paid online or in person at City Hall.
Terms & Conditions
Newcastle Ordinance #2004-286, effective January 1, 2005, requires alarm companies to comply with the following rules to allow Newcastle Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office to respond to alarms in Newcastle.
Licensing
Alarm companies must have a City of Newcastle Business License and an Alarm System Operator’s License to conduct business within city limits.
Registration
- Alarm companies must register every alarm system (device) they monitor in Newcastle.
- Newcastle does not have its own zip code but uses 98056 and 98059.
- Companies must pay an annual fee for each registered alarm system.
Quarterly Reports
- Alarm companies must provide a quarterly list of all monitored alarm systems to the City.
- The list must include address and zip code where each alarm is installed.
- Lists should be submitted in an Excel spreadsheet format.
- To protect privacy, the City does not require alarm owner names.
False Alarm Fines
To discourage false alarms, the following fines apply for police responses to false alarms:
- $75.00 per false alarm at a registered address.
- $250.00 per false alarm at an unregistered address.
- $50.00 if the call is canceled before police arrive.
The City bills monthly for false alarm fines.