Portland city ordinance 11-132 (Alarm Systems) makes it an offense for any person or business to install, cause to be operated, or operate an alarm system without first obtaining a valid permit from the City of Portland. A separate permit is required for each alarm site.
This ordinance includes fire alarms. Obtaining an alarm permit is the responsibility of the alarm user, not the alarm company. You can apply for an alarm permit and pay the applicable fees in person at the police department.
Even alarms that are not being monitored by an alarm company may need an alarm permit. An alarm permit is needed if the alarm system can be heard in the surrounding area and cause someone to call police.
Download an alarm permit application here.