Chapter 6.79
BURGLAR ALARMS1
Sections:
6.79.010 False alarm – Defined.
6.79.030 False alarm – Penalty.
6.79.040 Direct telephone dialing alarm system – Prohibited.
6.79.050 Outside audible system – Restrictions.
6.79.060 Systems exempt from restrictions.
6.79.070 Installation of alarms.
6.79.080 Violation – Civil infraction.
6.79.010 False alarm – Defined.
“False alarm” means the activation of a burglary and/or robbery alarm by other than forced entry or attempted forced entry to the premises at a time when no burglary or robbery is being committed or attempted on the premises. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.020 Activation.
It is a violation of this chapter for anyone to activate or attempt to activate any burglar and/or robbery alarm system for the purpose of summoning the police except in the event of actual or attempted burglary or robbery in or about such premises. Further, it is unlawful for anyone to notify the police of an activated alarm when such person has knowledge that such activation was apparently caused by an electrical or other malfunction of the alarm system, and such person fails to notify the police of such apparent malfunction. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.030 False alarm – Penalty.
For a police response to any such burglary and/or robbery alarm, the following penalties shall apply:
(1) For a police response to premises at which no other false alarm has occurred within the preceding six-month period, hereinafter referred to as a “first response,” no fine shall be assessed.
(2) For any police response to a false alarm within six months after a first response, a civil infraction carrying a fine of $100.00 shall be assessed.
(3) For any police response to a false alarm, the alarm user, hereinafter referred to as “alarm responder,” shall be required to respond to the premises in person or through phone contact within 45 minutes. When responding to the premises in person the alarm responder shall notify the police of estimated time of arrival. Failure to respond in person or through phone contact within 45 minutes after the police department has been notified that there has been a false alarm shall result in an additional civil infraction and a fine of $100.00.
(4) All fines shall be paid within 30 calendar days after written notification by the Marysville municipal court. If repeated alarms are the result of failure to take necessary precautions or corrective action by the owner or occupant of the premises, or if the chief of police or his/her designated representative determines that the alarm is defective, or if the owner or occupant fails to pay any fine required in this chapter, the chief of police may order the disconnection of the alarm system. It is a violation of this chapter and a civil infraction and a fine of $200.00 to reconnect the alarm system without approval of the chief of police. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.040 Direct telephone dialing alarm system – Prohibited.
Direct telephone dialing alarm systems to the police department are prohibited. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.050 Outside audible system – Restrictions.
No outside audible burglary and/or robbery alarm system which is not equipped with a timing device limiting the period of audible alarm to five minutes continual operation and precluding recycling shall be in operation within the city on or after 60 days of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.060 Systems exempt from restrictions.
No provision of this chapter shall in any way prohibit, curtail or limit the use of outside audible fire alarm systems now in use which are activated by heat or by lack of water pressure or similar means. No provision of this chapter shall in any way prohibit, curtail or limit the use of any alarm system which is otherwise required or regulated by state or federal law. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.070 Installation of alarms.
Every company which either sells or installs a new alarm at any premises within the city limits or any resident having an alarm installed on their private residence or business shall be required within five working days of said installation to notify the police department of all relevant subscriber information including, but not limited to, the name and address of the owner or resident of the premises and the name(s) and telephone number(s) of the person(s) who will be responding to all alarms.
It is unlawful and a civil infraction to have or maintain on any premises a burglary and/or robbery alarm unless there is on file with the Marysville police department an emergency contact card. The form can be obtained from the police department and will require the name(s) and telephone number(s) of person(s) authorized to enter such premises and turn off any alarm. This form must be completed and submitted to the police department within five working days. All premises having a burglary and/or robbery alarm will display an alarm registration sticker, provided by the city, in a conspicuous manner adjacent the entrance or exit doors to the premises. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
6.79.080 Violation – Civil infraction.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall have committed a civil infraction and, upon a finding of the violation to have occurred, and in addition to any such fines as are referenced in MMC 6.79.030, shall pay a civil penalty of up to $200.00. Each violation shall be considered a separate infraction. (Ord. 2477 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1954, 1993).
Prior legislation: Ordinances 992 and 1565.