By Bailey Buckingham

Kyle residents and businesses could be required to register security alarm systems with the city if amendments to an existing ordnance pass a second reading by the Kyle City Council.  

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the proposed amendments could alleviate high numbers of false alarms responded to by Kyle Police over the past year. Only five of the 1,500 alarm calls responded to by Kyle Police in the past year were warranted because of an active crime or fire, Barnett said. 

“Our goal as a police department is not to discourage the use of alarms,” Barnett said. “We want them to have them but we want them to own and operate those in a very responsible manner.” 

Amendments to the city’s alarm ordinance passed an initial hurdle July 19 when the Kyle City Council approved the measure by a 6-0 vote on first reading. A second reading is necessary as council member Becky Selbera was absent from the meeting. Kyle City Council rules stipulate a unanimous 7-0 vote is needed for a measure to pass on first and final reading. 

Under the proposed amendments, residents who choose to purchase a home alarm system must register with the city. Residents will also be required to pay an annual fee. 

Barnett said no alarm users will be grandfathered if the ordinance goes into effect. Kyle Police will expect all alarm users to comply with these changes, Barnett said, with council determining a reasonable effective date. 

While the proposed annual fee was not decided on July 19, Barnett mentioned fees associated with alarm ordinances in San Marcos and New Braunfels.  

San Marcos charges $25 annually for residential property alarm systems, while New Braunfels charges $40. 

Both cities charge $50 for commercial alarm system permits. Schools and governmental agencies would be exempt from these requirements. 

Another proposed addition to the ordinance would be penalties for false alarms. 

Residents will receive three “free” false alarms; subsequent false alarms will bring additional penalties. Those who go over 15 false alarms over a 12-month period could potentially have their permit with the city revoked. It will be a Class C misdemeanor to violate the ordinance. 

District 1 council member Travis Mitchell said he was concerned about how current alarm users would be notified the ordinance would be taking effect. 

“We will be able to cross check our list with the list the alarm company provides us annually and we will use every avenue for outreach to residents,” Barnett said. 

If this ordinance is passed, Kyle Police plans to heavily advertise the changes and requirements in order to educate residents to avoid having to issue citations. 

“We want to educate the public, our goal is not to go out and write citations on violations and get people to move away from using alarms,” Barnett said. “We want to educate on the benefits of using an alarm and following the ordinance.” 

Revenues from the alarm service fees would be used for supporing alarm ordinance processes, Barnett said. 

“The state department requires that fees associated with your alarm ordinance are kept solely for that purpose, to support the alarm ordinance and its processes,” Barnett said.  

Proposed ordinance changes for home alarms in Kyle

• Residents must register home security alarms with the city and pay an annual fee. 
• Residents receive three “free” false alarms.
• A fourth and fifth false alarm will result in a $50 fine.
• A sixth and seventh will result in a $75 fine.
• Over eight false alarms will result in a $100 fine.
• A permit could potentially be revoked if a user reaches over 15 false alarms during a 12-month period. 
• No alarm users will be grandfathered if the proposed ordinance goes into effect. All users must register.