Marathon County Ordinance 12.03 establishes an alarm permit process to ensure all residential and commercial alarm systems are registered with the County. This system provides the Sheriff’s Office with up-to-date, accurate information about the property owner, alarm operator, alarm company, and key holder(s), and helps reduce the number of false alarm responses by our deputies.

The Sheriff’s Office requires this information to have a better understanding of the number of alarms within the County and have appropriate information available for resolution of alarm-related issues. Marathon County requires all residents and businesses located within the county to register their alarms and obtain a permit annually with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. Failure to register could result in a citation being issued to the property owner and/or alarm operator.

Permit Fees

• Yearly residential permit fee $50.00
• Yearly business permit fee $100.00

Permits may be applied for by visiting Oxcart Permit Systems and creating a free account.  Select the type of permit you're applying for (Alarm) at the top of the page, then select "Marathon, County of" from the drop down list of municipalities, and click "Get Started."  After entering information about your alarm, credit card information will be required to submit the application.  We are not able to process other payment methods including checks or cash.  Any payments sent by mail will be returned to the sender without a permit.   

Penalties for False Alarms or Failure to Obtain an Alarm Permit

• For a fourth false alarm and each subsequent false alarm in a twelve month period, the property owner and/or alarm operator will be subject to a forfeiture of $100.00.
• Failure to obtain an alarm permit prior to the operation of an alarm system will subject the property owner and/or alarm operator to a forfeiture of $200.00. Payment of this forfeiture does not satisfy the permit fee.  An owner cited for failure to obtain an alarm permit must pay the permit fee in addition to the citation forfeiture.  Each day that an alarm system is in operation without a valid permit is a separate offense that may result in separate $200.00 forfeitures. 

Questions?

For additional information or questions, please email us.