Alarm System Operator's License Application

If your company monitors alarm systems within Newcastle city limits, you need two licenses to operate:

1. A Newcastle Business License, issued by the State of Washington.
2. An Alarm System Operator’s License, issued by the City of Newcastle.
   
   

Steps to Register

1. Get a Newcastle Business License from the State of Washington’s Business Licensing Service.
2. Submit an Alarm System Operator’s License Application to the City of Newcastle.
   • Once received, City staff will e-mail a request for all alarm systems you monitor in the city (addresses only).
   • Pay the required fees as confirmed by City staff.

Fees

The Alarm System Operators License consists of two fees.

1st Fee: Alarm System Operator’s License

• $100 per year for 1–100 devices
• $200 per year for 101–200 devices
• $400 per year for 201–500 devices
• $500 per year for 501+ devices

2nd Fee: Monitored Devices Fee

• $40 per year per alarm system
• Fees are reduced for alarm systems added later in the year:
  • January – March: $30 per alarm
  • April – June: $20 per alarm
  • July – September: $10 per alarm

False Alarm Fines

If the police respond to a false alarm, your company will be fined as follows:

• $75 for registered alarm system
• $250 for non-registered alarm systems
• $50 for calls canceled before the police arrive

Payment Options

• Online Submission: After submitting your application, we will contact you to arrange online payment.
• In-Person Payment: You can pay with cash, check, or credit card at Newcastle City Hall.

Submit Your Application Online

If you have any questions, call City Hall at 425-649-4444 or Email City staff

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.

Requirements

1. Licensing:

   • Alarm companies must have a Newcastle Business License and an Alarm System Operator’s License to conduct business within city limits (Newcastle Municipal Code 8.05.050).

2.  

   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 (NMC 8.05.060).

3.  

   Quarterly Reports:

   • Alarm companies must provide a quarterly list of all monitored alarm systems to the City.
   • The list must include the 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 (NMC 8.05.120):

• $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.

Questions and Support

For questions about Newcastle’s Alarm System Regulations or to request a copy of Ordinance #2004-286, contact City Hall at 425-649-4444.