As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall
have the following meanings:
ADOPTED CODE(S)
Code adopted by the jurisdiction and in the absence of adopted
code, the National Fire Protection Association National Fire Alarm
Code 72 (NFPA 72) and the National Fire Protection Association Life
Safety Code 101 (NFPA 101).
ALARM-INITIATING DEVICE
A device that is designed to respond either manually or automatically
to smoke, fire, or activation of a fire suppression system.
FALSE FIRE ALARM
The activation of any fire alarm system which results in
a response by the Fire Department and which is caused by the negligence
or intentional misuse of the fire alarm system by the owner, its employees,
agents or any other activation of a fire alarm system not caused by
heat, smoke or fire, exclusive of a nuisance fire alarm.
FEE
The assessment of a monetary charge payable to the City/county,
Enforcement Official or jurisdiction authorized pursuant to this chapter,
to defray the expenses of responding to a false fire alarm or nuisance
fire alarm.
FIRE ALARM ACTIVATION REPORT
A document issued by the Enforcement Official indicating
that the activation was deemed to be the result of a fire alarm activation
due to fire, a nuisance fire alarm, or a false fire alarm.
FIRE ALARM BUSINESS
Any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity
that is appropriately licensed in the state/jurisdiction and installs,
causes to be installed, permits to be installed, alters, maintains,
repairs, replaces or services (including runner services) any fire
alarm system.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A system or portion of a combination system consisting of
components and circuits arranged to monitor and/or exterior annunciate
the status of a fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices
and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.
FIRE WATCH
A temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic
surveillance of a building or portion thereof by one or more qualified
individuals for the purposes of identifying and controlling fire hazards,
detecting early signs of unwanted fire, raising an alarm of fire and
notifying the Fire Department.
MONITORED SYSTEM
The process by which a fire alarm business receives signals
from a fire alarm system and notifies emergency forces.
NUISANCE FIRE ALARM
The activation of any fire alarm system, which results in
a response by the Fire Department, caused by mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation, lack of proper maintenance or any other response
for which the Fire Department personnel are unable to determine the
apparent cause of the alarm activation.
OWNER
Any person who owns the premises in which a fire alarm system
is installed or the person or persons who lease, operate, occupy or
manage the premises.
PREMISES
Any building, structure or combination of buildings and structures
which serve as dwelling units such as single-family, multifamily or
any other area within a building, structure or combination thereof
which is used for any purpose, wherein a fire alarm system is installed.
QUALIFIED FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN
Any person who inspects, installs, repairs or performs maintenance
on fire alarm systems. This person shall be:
A.
Factory trained and certified;
B.
National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies
(NICET) Fire Alarm Level II certified; or
C.
Licensed or certified by state or local authority.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any newly
installed fire alarm system for a period of 45 days from the date
of installation, but shall apply from and after the expiration of
the initial forty-five-day period following installation.
For all offenses and violations not otherwise specified, the
penalty shall be a summary offense punishable by a fine not less than
$100 nor more than $1,000 or a prison term not to exceed 90 days,
or both.