Chapter 7.40
RADIO RECEPTION—INTERFERENCE

Sections:

7.40.010    Operation of high frequency apparatus—Shielding medical devices.

7.40.020    Radio stations, public utilities excepted.

7.40.030    Enforcement officials designated.

7.40.040    Notice of violation—Modification to comply with chapter.

7.40.050    Sale of interfering devices prohibited.

7.40.060    Penalty for violations—Release upon proof of compliance.

7.40.010 Operation of high frequency apparatus—Shielding medical devices.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate in the city of South Gate, any device, appliance, equipment or apparatus generating or causing high frequency oscillations or radiations which interferes with radio broadcast receiving apparatus or wireless receiving apparatus, except that a person duly licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic or dentistry by the state of California, in the course of practice of his or her profession, may operate or cause to be operated under his or her direct supervision, any machine necessary to give treatment; providing, however, that all reasonable methods of preventing interference with radio broadcast receiving apparatus or wireless receiving apparatus have been applied.

(Ord. 232 § 1; 11-17-31)

7.40.020 Radio stations, public utilities excepted.

It is expressly understood and provided, however, that this chapter shall not apply to radio stations, either broadcast, commercial or amateur, licensed by the federal government, or which are engaged in interstate communication, or to public utilities under the supervision of the state railway commission.

(Ord. 232 § 2; 11-17-31)

7.40.030 Enforcement officials designated.

The building department shall be chargeable with the enforcement of this chapter in the first instance, and the electrical inspector shall be the chief enforcement officer, and he shall have the title of radio interference inspector, in addition to his existing title of electrical inspector. The building inspector shall have the power to deputize one or more persons without pay to assist the radio interference inspector in the duties herein set forth.

(Ord. 232 § 3; 11-17-31)

7.40.040 Notice of violation—Modification to comply with chapter.

When an inspection and test shall have been made by the radio interference inspector and it is found that any device, equipment, apparatus or appliance coming within the terms of this chapter, is being operated in violation of this chapter, the owner or operator of such device, equipment, apparatus or appliance, shall be notified in writing and a copy of said notice shall be placed on file in the office of the building department. The notice shall be personally served or in the event personal service cannot reasonably be obtained upon such owner or operator then the same may be left with any person of lawful age occupying or in charge of the premises in which such device, equipment, apparatus or appliance is located. The owner or operator of such device, equipment, apparatus or appliance shall make additions, repairs or modifications thereof in order that same may be operated in a manner which complies with the provisions of this chapter or discontinue the use of such device, equipment, apparatus or appliance within forty-eight hours, or other reasonable period specified by the inspector.

(Ord. 232 § 4, 11-17-31)

7.40.050 Sale of interfering devices prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, or offer for sale in the city any electrical device, equipment, apparatus or appliance which will, or which is apt to when in operation or use, cause high frequency oscillations or radiations which will interfere with radio broadcast receiving apparatus, unless the same is protected or equipped with a suitable device or suitable apparatus which will reasonably prevent such interference. Any person, firm or corporation selling any such merchandise within the city shall also either have displayed in a conspicuous place easily visible to prospective purchasers thereof, in the store, establishment or place of business of such person, firm or corporation, a sign to the effect that all equipment there sold or offered for sale is protected or equipped as herein contemplated, or a tag attached to each such respective articles of merchandise plainly so indicating.

(Ord. 232 § 5, 11-17-31)

7.40.060 Penalty for violations—Release upon proof of compliance.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the city jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment as the committing magistrate may direct; provided, that a person arrested for violation of this chapter shall be released from custody or excused from appearing in court and such charge shall be dismissed upon the submission by him to the judge of the city court of satisfactory evidence, that he has, within forty-eight hours, caused such device, equipment, appliance or apparatus to conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 2011 § 1 Exh. A (part), 8-27-96: Ord. 232 § 6, 11-17-31)