Metro's deadline for alarm permits is Tuesday

Davidson County Nashville residents have until Tuesday to renew annual permits for home burglar and fire alarm systems. About 40,000 people in the city use such systems; Metro requires they all be registered whether they are self-installed, monitored by an alarm company or directly connected to the police department. Exemptions include car alarms, smoke detectors and medical alarm systems. The cost of a permit went up for the first time in 17 years, doubling to $20 for home security systems. Permits for businesses and non-residential properties are $50. Anyone operating a system with an expired permit can be fined, with court costs, up to $104.50. Metro began registering alarm systems to get a better handle on alarm calls and to cut down on repeated false calls. Applications are online at www.nashville.gov/mc. — CHARLES BOOTH cbooth@tennessean.com