Sandy Springs, GA Alarm Ordinance & Alarm Registration Guide

Sandy Springs Alarm Ordinance Overview

The City’s Alarm Ordinance governs burglar, fire, panic, duress, and other monitored alarm systems. Alarm companies are responsible for registering accounts with the City and for requesting police dispatch only after required verification. The ordinance is designed to reduce the high number of preventable false alarms while preserving emergency response for real incidents.

• Alarm companies—not individual alarm owners—are responsible for system registration.
• Burglar and intrusion alarms generally require audio, video, or in-person verification before police are dispatched when no one is at the property.
• Fire, medical, panic, duress alarms and 911 calls from someone on site still receive standard response.
• False alarms and failures to verify can result in fines and, in extreme cases, suspension of police response through that alarm company.

Official Alarm Ordinance & Program Page:
City of Sandy Springs – Alarm Ordinance Overview

False Alarm Reduction & Registration Portal:
Sandy Springs False Alarm Reduction Program (CryWolf)

Alarm Registration & Verification Requirements in Sandy Springs

Under the current ordinance, individual alarm users do not submit permits directly to the City. Instead, each alarm company must register with Sandy Springs and is responsible for adding and maintaining its customers in the City’s alarm program. In addition, strict verification rules apply to most burglar alarm dispatches.

• Alarm companies must register with the City and register their customers in the alarm program.
• Alarm users should confirm that their alarm company is properly registered and understand how false alarm fines are handled.
• For burglar and intrusion alarms when no one is home or at the business, the alarm company must verify activity by audio, video, or a private guard before requesting police dispatch.
• Fire, medical, panic, duress alarms, and 911 calls from a person at the alarm site do not require this type of verification.

Alarm Information from Sandy Springs Police:
Sandy Springs Police – Alarm Information

False Alarm Fines & Verification Penalties – Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs assesses civil penalties against alarm companies for excessive false alarms and for “false verification” of intrusion alarms. The City’s resolution sets specific fine amounts for false verification events, and the City Council may update these amounts over time.

False Verification Penalties (Intrusion Alarms)

• 1st false verification: $250
• 2nd false verification: $500
• 3rd and each subsequent false verification: $1,000

Additional fines also apply to excessive false alarms where an alarm company repeatedly requests dispatch for alarms that turn out to be unfounded. In severe cases, the City may suspend an alarm company’s permit, meaning the company can no longer request police response for intrusion alarms in Sandy Springs until it is back in compliance.

Because penalty amounts and enforcement rules can change, alarm companies and users should always review the latest ordinance and related documents on the Sandy Springs website or through the CryWolf portal before relying on this summary.

How Callaway Security Helps Sandy Springs Homeowners & Businesses

Callaway Security installs and monitors alarm systems for homes and businesses throughout Sandy Springs. Our team understands the City’s alarm rules, verification requirements, and false alarm policies, and we work with you and your monitoring provider to help avoid unnecessary fines or disruptions in response.

• Alarm system design and installation tailored to Sandy Springs requirements
• Guidance on working with registered alarm companies and understanding local rules
• Support for video and audio verification to meet intrusion alarm standards
• 24/7 monitored security and ongoing user training to reduce false alarms

Need help upgrading or configuring your alarm system in Sandy Springs?
Contact Callaway Security Today