Chapter 8.34
FALSE ALARMS
Sections:
8.34.020 False alarms, prevention and reimbursement of costs.
8.34.030 Intentional false alarm, reimbursement of costs.
8.34.010 Definitions.
Wherever used within this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:
“Alarm subscriber” means a person contracting with an alarm business for the leasing, servicing, or maintaining of an alarm system, or who owns, uses, or maintains a proprietor alarm.
“Alarm system” means any electronic device designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry on premises, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act, or both, and, when actuated, emits a sound or transmits a signal to indicate that an emergency exists, and to which police are expected to respond.
“False alarm” means an alarm signal which causes response by the Orange County sheriff’s department where an emergency situation does not exist. “Response” means arrival at the location of the alarm. “False alarm” does not include an alarm signal activated by earthquake, extraordinary weather conditions, or other act of God. [Ord. 2020-217 § 1].
8.34.020 False alarms, prevention and reimbursement of costs.
In addition to any other fines or penalties established by law, the Orange County sheriff’s department shall collect costs from any alarm subscriber or operator of an alarm system which signals three or more false alarms within a calendar year. As used in this section, “costs” means the costs of the Orange County sheriff’s department in responding to a false alarm, which costs shall be determined by resolution of the Orange County board of supervisors. [Ord. 2020-217 § 1].
8.34.030 Intentional false alarm, reimbursement of costs.
A. No person shall intentionally initiate a false alarm except for purposes of testing an alarm system and then only after having given the Orange County sheriff’s department prior notice thereof. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
B. In addition to any other fines or penalties established by law, the Orange County sheriff’s department shall collect costs from any alarm subscriber or operator of an alarm system for any violation of this section. As used in this section, “costs” means the costs of the Orange County sheriff’s department in responding to a false alarm, which costs shall be determined by resolution of the Orange County board of supervisors. [Ord. 2020-217 § 1].