Chapter 8.08
ALARM SYSTEMS
Sections:
8.08.060 Response to alarm location – Penalty.
8.08.010 Definitions.
A. “Alarm system” is defined as an electrical detection system used for the purpose of sounding or otherwise transmitting an alarm to signal a breach of security or a fire; commonly known as a burglar alarm or a fire alarm.
B. “Alarm” is defined as the sounding mechanism that is activated by an alarm system to give warning of danger by means of a sound or signal. (Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).
8.08.020 Response to alarms.
The city will exercise reasonable efforts to respond to alarms as rapidly as available personnel are able. The city will incur costs in providing such emergency responses. When the city responds to a false alarm, the city should be reimbursed for its costs of providing personnel and equipment for an emergency response. Persons who maintain an alarm that falsely causes an emergency response by the city should bear some of those costs. (Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).
8.08.030 False alarm defined.
For the purpose of this chapter, “false alarm” means the activation of a burglary and/or robbery or fire alarm by other than a forced entry or attempted forced entry to the premises, or by other than a fire, at a time when no burglary or robbery is being committed or attempted on the premises, or when there is no fire. It shall not be considered a false alarm when the system is activated by weather or power failures. (Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).
8.08.040 False alarm penalty.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any premises where an alarm system is in use to have more than one false alarm per calendar year. The owner of the premises where there are two or more false alarms in one calendar year shall pay to the city a penalty for each false alarm in excess of one per calendar year. False alarm fees shall be established by resolution of the city council, as amended from time to time. (Ord. 2017-01 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).
8.08.050 Nonpayment of fee.
The city clerk/finance director shall bill the party responsible for paying the fee, and if the fee is not paid to the city clerk/finance director within 10 calendar days, it shall be assigned to a collection agency. (Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).
8.08.060 Response to alarm location – Penalty.
It is unlawful for the owner of premises maintaining an alarm system, either personally or through his designated agent, to fail to appear at the activated alarm location within a reasonable time (approximately one-half hour) after being notified by the police or fire department to do so. Failure to appear within a reasonable time after notice of an activated alarm shall be a civil infraction. Any person, firm, or corporation found to have committed an infraction under this section shall be assessed a monetary penalty, not to exceed $500.00 for each separate infraction. (Ord. 2004-14 § 1, 2004).