Chapter 9.96 EMERGENCY ALARMS

The inefficiency resulting from responses by the Rancho Cordova police department to false alarms detracts from its ability to respond to bona fide emergencies. In order to improve the ability of the chief of police to effectively respond to law enforcement needs, and to encourage alarm system users, lessors, sellers and manufacturers to better construct and maintain alarm systems in the city of Rancho Cordova, an alarm permit requirement is hereby imposed on all alarm system users as hereinafter set forth. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any Rancho Cordova police department response to alarm devices. The issuance of an alarm permit does not entitle the holder to any special level of Rancho Cordova police department service to an alarm device. All Rancho Cordova police department responses to alarm devices will be made in accordance with the alarm response policy established by the chief of police. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 1, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.015 Alarm company defined.

“Alarm company” means any person, firm, partnership or corporation, or other association conducting or engaged in the business of selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, replacing, moving, installing or monitoring alarm systems within Rancho Cordova. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.020 Alarm site defined.

“Alarm site” means an identifiable and detached building with a separate alarm system, or an individual business premises or residence within a building having a separate alarm system. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.025 Alarm system defined.

“Alarm system” means a device or system that emits, transmits, or relays, when tripped, a signal intended to summon, or that could reasonably be expected to summon, police services of the city. “Alarm system” does not include:

A. An alarm installed on a vehicle, unless the vehicle is permanently located at a site; nor

B. An alarm which by design only alerts the occupants of a residence or business premises; nor

C. Alarm devices installed on a temporary basis by the Rancho Cordova police department. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.030 False alarm defined.

“False alarm” means the activation of an alarm system which precipitates a response by police services of Rancho Cordova when police services are not required. False alarms do not include alarms resulting from violent acts of nature, such as earthquakes, gale force winds, or tornadoes. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 2, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.035 Automatic dialing device defined.

“Automatic dialing device” means an alarm system which automatically sends over regular telephone lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a prerecorded voice message indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.040 Central station defined.

“Central station” means an office to which alarm systems are connected, where operators supervise the circuits, and where guards and/or servicemen are maintained continuously to investigate signals. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.045 Direct line defined.

“Direct line” means a telephone line leading directly from a central station to the communications center of the Rancho Cordova police department, where said line is used only to report emergency signals on a person-to-person basis. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.050 Interconnect defined.

“Interconnect” means to connect an alarm system to a telephone line, either directly or through a mechanical device that utilizes a standard telephone, for the purpose of using the telephone line to transmit an emergency message upon the activation of the alarm system. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.055 Modified central station defined.

“Modified central station” means an office to which alarm systems are connected where operators supervise the circuits, but where guards are not maintained to investigate alarm systems. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.060 Person defined.

“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, organization, school district, government agency or similar entity. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.065 Primary trunkline defined.

“Primary trunkline” means any telephone line, including 911 emergency lines, leading directly into the communications center of the Rancho Cordova police department for the purpose of handling emergency calls on a person-to-person basis, and which is identified as such by a specific number included among the emergency numbers listed in the telephone directory issued by the telephone company covering the service area within the Rancho Cordova police department’s jurisdiction. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.070 City defined.

“City” means the city of Rancho Cordova. [Revised during 2008 codification; Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.075 Siren defined.

“Siren” means any audible noise similar to that which must be sounded by an authorized emergency vehicle under the conditions set forth in Section 21055 of the California Vehicle Code. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.080 Special trunkline defined.

“Special trunkline” means a telephone line leading into the communications center of the Rancho Cordova police department and having the primary purpose of handling emergency messages originating through a central station, modified central station or answering service. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.085 Permit required.

A. Except as otherwise provided hereafter, it shall be unlawful for any person to connect or operate, or to cause to be connected or operated, an alarm system in Rancho Cordova on an alarm site without obtaining a valid alarm system permit within 15 days of connecting or commencing to operate an alarm system and keeping a valid alarm system permit in full force and effect at all times thereafter.

B. The application for an alarm system permit shall contain an agreement, which the applicant must sign before the permit can be issued, whereby the applicant/permittee agrees to reimburse the city for costs incurred by the city resulting from excessive numbers of false alarms. The application shall also contain a provision that the exact costs to the city of excessive false alarms are difficult to ascertain and, for that reason, the amounts set forth in RCMC 9.96.110 are agreed upon by the city and the applicant/permittee as liquidated damages.

C. Persons owning or in possession of property which an alarm system is intended to protect shall be responsible for securing the proper alarm system permit and such permit shall be issued only to the person who owns or is in possession of the property which the alarm system is intended to protect.

D. The chief of police shall issue the alarm system permit within a reasonable period following the date of receipt of the application, unless the alarm system does not comply with the specifications contained in this chapter, the applicant has failed to pay the required fee, or the application contains a misrepresentation of fact.

E. In the event the chief of police denies the permit to an applicant for any of the reasons set forth in subsection (D) of this section, the applicant shall have the right to a hearing concerning the denial pursuant to RCMC 9.96.125 through 9.96.130.

F. Any person who operates an alarm without a permit shall obtain a permit within 30 days of the chief of police’s mailing of a notice to obtain permit and shall pay the fee provided for in RCMC 9.96.100, plus a $25.00 surcharge. Failure to obtain a permit within the required time shall result in an additional fee of $250.00.

G. Payment of Fee. A service fee invoice shall be mailed to the alarm operator within 30 days following the assessment of the fee. Fees are due and owing not later than 30 days after the date of mailing the invoice. The date of mailing shall appear on the invoice. Fees received after the due date shall be subject to a late fee of $25.00. Fees received more than 60 days after the due date shall be subject to an additional late fee of $25.00. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 3, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.090 Application for permit.

A. Application for alarm system permits shall be filed with the chief of police on such forms as the chief of police may prescribe.

B. An applicant may apply for a single permit for multiple alarm sites or for separate permits for each alarm site. If an applicant chooses to apply for a separate permit for each alarm site, a separate application and permit fee shall be filed for each permit. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.095 Required information.

Each alarm system permit application must contain the following information:

A. Name, address, and telephone number of the person who will be the permit holder and of the person responsible for the proper maintenance and operation of the alarm system and payment of fees assessed under this chapter.

B. Classification of the alarm site as either residential or commercial.

C. For each alarm system located at the alarm site, the purpose of the alarm system; i.e., burglary, robbery, or panic.

D. Other information as may be reasonably required by the chief of police.

E. The information furnished and secured pursuant to this chapter shall, to the extent permitted by law, be confidential and shall not be subject to public inspection. It is hereby declared that this information is critical to the safety and security of the alarm user and law enforcement personnel and that the public interest served by not disclosing said information to the public clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosing said information. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 4, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.100 Permit fee.

Except for persons exempt pursuant to Section 6103 of the Government Code, every application for an alarm system permit shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee in an amount set by resolution of the Rancho Cordova city council. This fee shall be in addition to any other fee imposed by Rancho Cordova and is imposed for the purpose of defraying the costs of processing and overseeing the permit process and the cost of patrol response for false alarms. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 5, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.105 Permit duration and information changes.

A. Any alarm system permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be valid only as to the person named on the permit and only for the particular address specified on the permit and shall not expire so long as there is no change of the named permittee or address.

B. In the event the permittee’s name is legally changed, the permittee shall so inform the chief of police within 10 days of such change and no fee shall be assessed to correct the permit.

C. The permittee shall inform the chief of police of any other general information changes to the application within 10 days after such change, and no fee shall be assessed for changing the chief of police’s records. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.110 False alarms.

A. As hereafter provided, false alarms shall incur a service fee, calculated per calendar year, payable to the city as follows:


1. Residences/Businesses	Burglary	Panic/Robbery
a. First and second false alarms	No fee	No fee
b. Third false alarm	$75.00	$150.00
c. Fourth false alarm	$100.00	$200.00
d. Fifth false alarm	$200.00	$250.00
e. Sixth and subsequent false alarms	$250.00	$300.00
	(Multiple false alarms in one calendar day shall be counted as one alarm for the purpose of assessing fees.)

B. Payment of Fee. A service fee invoice shall be mailed to the alarm user within 30 days of the false alarm. The service fee is due and owing not later than 30 days after the date of mailing the invoice. The date of mailing shall appear on the invoice. Fees received after the due date shall be subject to a late fee of $25.00. Fees received more than 60 days after the due date shall be subject to an additional late fee of $25.00.

C. Discontinuance of Response. In addition to any other action that may be taken by the chief of police pursuant to this chapter, the chief of police may discontinue responding to an alarm at any location if the chief of police has responded to six or more false alarms at the location during any calendar year. The period of nonresponse shall be determined by the chief of police, but shall not exceed six months. It shall apply to permit holders as well as persons who are unlawfully operating an alarm system without a permit or with a permit that has been suspended. The chief of police may shorten the period of nonresponse imposed upon receipt of satisfactory evidence that the problem creating the false alarms has been corrected. In addition, the chief of police may discontinue response in the event that any false alarm service fee or fees remain unpaid 60 days after invoice, until such time as such fees are paid, plus an additional five business days in order to allow sufficient time to process payments.

D. Appeal. Any person may appeal the assessment of a false alarm service fee by filing a notice of appeal with the chief of police within 15 days of the mailing of the service fee invoice. The service fee invoice shall advise the person to whom the fee is assessed of the right to appeal. The notice of appeal shall state all reasons why the appealing party believes that the fee was improperly assessed and shall be accompanied by any documentary evidence that the appealing party wishes to be considered. The appeal and all documentation shall be reviewed by the chief of police or the chief of police’s designee. The decision of the chief of police or the chief of police’s designee shall be final. In the event that it is determined that the false alarm fee was improperly assessed, the fee shall be canceled. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 6, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.115 Suspension of permit.

When grounds as hereafter provided exist, the chief of police may determine to suspend a permit. Suspensions of permits shall be for a maximum of 365 calendar days. Use of the alarm system during a suspension of the permit shall be a violation of this chapter. The following shall constitute grounds for suspension of an alarm permit:

A. The violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.

B. A false statement on the permit application.

C. Failure to pay any fine assessed by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to RCMC 9.96.165.

D. Failure to pay any false alarm service fee pursuant to RCMC 9.96.110(B) or service fee pursuant to RCMC 9.96.165(B).

E. Six or more false alarms during any calendar year. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 7, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.120 Hearing rights.

If an application for a permit is denied or a permit is to be considered for suspension pursuant to RCMC 9.96.115 the chief of police shall serve on the applicant or permittee a written notice of the chief of police’s proposed action including, in the case of suspension, the length of the proposed suspension, and of the right to a hearing on the matter. Service shall be by certified/registered mail to the applicant’s or permittee’s last known address. Service shall be considered complete five days after such mailing. The applicant or permittee may, within 10 calendar days after service of the chief of police’s notification, file a request for hearing. Such request shall be in writing and mailed or deposited with the chief of police at Rockingham Station, 10361 Rockingham Drive, Sacramento, California, 95827, and shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $25.00 to cover the cost of processing the appeal. The filing fee shall be refunded to the applicant or permittee in the event that the applicant or permittee prevails at the hearing. If no request for hearing is filed within the time and in the manner prescribed above, the right to a hearing on the proposed denial or suspension shall be deemed to have been waived and the chief of police may proceed to deny or suspend the permit according to the terms of the original notice of proposed action.

Upon receiving a written request for a hearing, the chief of police shall serve on the applicant or permittee by first class mail a notice of the time and place of hearing. Service shall be made at least 10 calendar days prior to the date set for hearing.

Upon the receipt of a written request for a hearing, in the case of a suspension, the chief of police shall take no further suspension action until a hearing has been held pursuant to RCMC 9.96.130 and the chief of police has the written decision of the hearing officer. [Revised during 2008 codification; Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 8, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.125 Hearing officer.

The hearing prescribed described by RCMC 9.96.130 shall be conducted by an individual who is designated by the city manager. The individual may be an employee of the city who is not assigned to the Rancho Cordova police department or otherwise subordinate to the chief of police, or an individual who is not an employee, retained pursuant to a contract to provide such services. The city manager is hereby authorized to contract in the name of the city for the services of such a hearing officer at rates for such services which do not exceed $75.00 per hour of service rendered. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.130 Hearing.

In the event of a request for a hearing by the applicant or permittee, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, a hearing shall be conducted by the hearing officer. The chief of police shall carry the burden of proof that grounds exist for denial or suspension. The applicant or permittee may appear, present evidence and examine and cross-examine witnesses. In the event the applicant or permittee fails to appear at the time, date and place appointed for the hearing, the hearing shall be conducted in the absence of the applicant or permittee and the hearing officer shall render a decision based upon evidence presented during the hearing. For good cause, the hearing may be continued upon request of either the chief of police, applicant, or permittee. The hearing shall be tape recorded, and all documents presented as evidence shall be maintained as part of the record of the hearing. At the request of either the chief of police, applicant, or permittee, the clerk of the city council shall, on behalf of the council, issue subpoenas for attendance of witnesses at the hearing.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision, including findings of fact and conclusions. In the case of a permit suspension, the decision shall determine the length of the suspension. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final as to all parties. If the hearing officer’s decision is adverse to the applicant or permittee, the decision shall advise that if the applicant or permittee wishes to seek judicial review, guidance should be sought from California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, a copy of which shall be attached to the decision. The decision shall further advise the permittee that the time limits for judicial review are governed by Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure. [Revised during 2008 codification; Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 2, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.135 Other regulations.

A. No alarm system shall be installed or connected on or after January 1, 1988, which emits the sound of a siren. Any alarm system which emits the sound of a siren and which is installed and in operation prior to January 1, 1987, shall have that part of the alarm system disconnected prior to January 1, 1988.

B. Every alarm system permit, or a copy thereof, shall be kept on the premises where the alarm is installed.

C. In those cases where the perpetrator of a robbery or burglary has fled the scene of the crime, the 911 emergency line is to be used for notification of the chief of police, and the alarm system should not be activated.

D. Alarm systems shall be equipped with an automatic shutoff or reset feature which deactivates the alarm within 15 minutes after it is first activated and which has an auxiliary power system capable of operating the system for at least four hours in the event of the interruption or failure of utility power. Alarm systems which have been installed prior to January 1, 1989, and which do not have the automatic shutoff or reset feature shall be so equipped prior to January 1, 1990. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a permittee who maintains or operates an alarm system without an automatic shutoff or reset feature shall be subject to the provisions of RCMC 9.96.155. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.140 Automatic dialing device connections.

A. No automatic dialing device shall be interconnected to a primary trunkline of the Rancho Cordova police department or 911 Emergency Center trunkline after January 1, 1987. Any such automatic dialing device so interconnected prior to January 1, 1987, shall be disconnected prior to July 1, 1987. The permittee of the alarm system shall be responsible for having the device disconnected.

B. Persons owning or leasing an automatic dialing device may have the device interconnected to a telephone line transmitting directly to:

1. A central station; or

2. A modified central station; or

3. An answering service.

C. The relaying of messages to the Rancho Cordova police department by a modified central station or an answering service may be over a special trunkline unless the special trunkline is unavailable. The relaying of messages by a central station may be over a direct line. After January 1, 1987, no alarm messages may be relayed to the chief of police using the 911 Emergency Center or 911 trunklines. If special trunklines are not available, all relaying of messages by a modified central station or answering service may be over a primary trunkline.

D. The relaying of messages to the Rancho Cordova police department by an automatic dialing device may not be interconnected directly to the Rancho Cordova police department, or indirectly to the telephone company operator, Rancho Cordova telephone operator, or 911 Emergency Center operator. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.145 Robbery or panic alarms.

A robbery or panic alarm system is to be activated in the event of a robbery, burglary or life-threatening situation in progress. Any other use is prohibited. Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 148.3 of the Penal Code. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.150 Testing or maintenance.

The permittee shall notify the chief of police of any impending service, test, or maintenance of the permittee’s alarm system which may signal a false alarm. An alarm activated where such prior notice has been given shall not constitute a false alarm. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.155 Public nuisance.

An alarm system may be declared a public nuisance as set forth in Section 370 of the Penal Code and the permittee responsible for such alarm system may be guilty of a misdemeanor, in accordance with Section 372 of the Penal Code, under the following conditions:

A. When the alarm system generates an audible sound on the premises for a period longer than 15 minutes;

B. When the alarm system generates three or more false alarms within any 24-consecutive-hour period;

C. When the alarm system has been assessed three or more service fees within any 12-consecutive-month period. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.160 Alarm company responsibilities.

No alarm company shall continue to monitor an alarm system upon any property within the city of Rancho Cordova if the alarm user does not have a valid permit issued pursuant to this chapter within 15 days of installation of an alarm system. Each alarm company shall provide a copy of this chapter to each person with whom it signs a contract to install and/or monitor an alarm system upon the signing of the contract. Failure to comply shall be a violation of this chapter. [Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 10, 1997; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.161 Maintaining and providing specified information.

A. Any central station, modified central station, or answering service that relays messages to the Rancho Cordova police department, and requests the dispatch of deputies to an alarm system location, shall maintain and shall provide the following information to the chief of police’s dispatch at the time each message is relayed:

1. The name of the permittee;

2. The address of the alarm system; and

3. The alarm permit number.

B. Failure to comply shall be a violation of this chapter. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 11, 1997].

9.96.165 Violation of chapter.

A. Except as otherwise specifically provided, pursuant to the provisions of Section 36900 of the Government Code, violation of any of the provisions contained in this chapter shall constitute an infraction punishable by:

1. A fine not exceeding $100.00 for a first violation;

2. A fine not exceeding $200.00 for a second violation within one year; and

3. A fine not exceeding $500.00 for each additional violation within any calendar year.

The chief of police is the enforcing official charged with the responsibility for administering the provisions of this chapter. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 836.5 of the Penal Code, city employees in the chief of police’s records officer classifications and acting under the direction and control of the chief of police shall be authorized to enforce and arrest persons without a warrant for violations of the provisions of this chapter.

The chief of police is hereby empowered, pursuant to Section 36900 of the Government Code, to seek recovery of the fines or false alarm service fees by civil action in small claims court.

B. All remedies set forth in this chapter are cumulative and the use of one or more remedies shall not bar the use of any other remedy for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. [Revised during 2008 codification; Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 1086 § 12, 1997; SCC 0852 § 1, 1991; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].

9.96.170 City liability.

The provisions of this chapter are not intended nor shall they be construed to create a special relationship between Rancho Cordova and any alarm system permittee so as to create a duty on the part of the Rancho Cordova chief of police to respond to any alarm. Neither shall the provisions of this chapter be construed as a waiver of any immunity provided governmental agencies for tort liability contained in the California Government Code. [Ord. 38-2007 § 1 (Exh. 1(A)); Ord. 21-2003 §§ 2, 4; Ord. 20-2003 §§ 2, 4; SCC 0747 § 2, 1988; SCC 667 § 1, 1986].