Chapter 4.6 Security Alarm Ordinance

4.6.10 Purpose of this Chapter

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the use of security alarms, including those in vehicles, in the City of La Habra Heights. The ordinance codified in this Chapter shall be known and cited as the City of La Habra Heights Security Alarm Ordinance.

4.6.20 Identification of Alarm Owner

For every audible alarm system, the alarm owner shall be required to post the names and telephone numbers of persons to be notified in the event the alarm is activated. The posting must be placed in a visible location near the property’s entryway. An audible alarm shall terminate its operation within five (5) minutes of its being activated.

4.6.30 Operation of Direct-dial Telephone Devices

No person shall use any alarm system that is equipped with a direct-dial device that, when activated, automatically dials any telephone number in any public law enforcement or safety agency.

4.6.40 Audible Alarm Requirements

This Section governs the installation and use of audible alarm systems in the City of La Habra Heights. For purposes of this Section, "audible alarm" means any alarm system which generates a sound which is designed to be heard outside the building or vehicle where the system is installed. Audible alarms, and their installation and use, must conform to the following requirements.

A.    No audible alarm shall be installed, maintained, or used that emits or can emit an alarm sound similar to that of an emergency vehicle siren.

B.    All audible alarms shall be designed and/or equipped to automatically turn off not more than five (5) minutes after being activated.

C.    No subscriber, seller or lessor of alarm systems shall install, equip or utilize an audible alarm that is an automatically self-resetting alarm system.

D.    All new alarms shall be supplied with an uninterruptible power supply or other provision such that that the failure or interruption of the normal utility electric service will not activate the alarm system.

4.6.50 False Alarms

The following requirements are applicable to false alarms including those in vehicles.

A.    Activation of False Alarm. A person shall not knowingly turn in a false alarm. This Section does not prohibit a test of an alarm system.

B.    The City may impose a fee on any alarm owner whose alarm system generates more than two (2) false alarm calls in any twelve (12) month period.

C.    An alarm owner shall not operate an alarm system that generates more than five (5) false alarm calls in any twelve (12) month period.

D.    Exemptions. The provisions of this Section are not applicable to audible alarms affixed to emergency motor vehicles or to a public telephone utility whose only duty is to furnish telephone service pursuant to tariffs on file with California Public Utilities Commission. (Ord. 2012-02 § 1)

4.6.60 Violations/Penalties

Any person or entity that violates any provision of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punishable pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article 8 of the La Habra Heights Municipal Code, unless such violation is otherwise declared to be an infraction.