The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards and controls
for the installation, operation and maintenance of any automatic alarm
device, including any such device already in use within Town of Elmira
Fire and Traffic District #1, County of Chemung, State of New York.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALARM INSTALLATION
Any AAD installed on or within a single building or within
several buildings or areas adjacent.
AUTOMATIC ALARM DEVICE or AAD
Any device which automatically causes a signal, voice recording
or other communication to be transmitted direct to any emergency service
or central alarm office or any device designated to activate an external
alarm located on the same premises as the device. Specifically excluded
from this definition are devices commonly known as "single-station
smoke detectors" not connected to any other audible device.
CENTRAL ALARM OFFICE
Any facility operated by other than emergency services which
is staffed by persons who receive, record or validate AAD signals
and relays information pertinent to such signals to any emergency
service.
EMERGENCY SERVICE
Any fire, police, medical, ambulance or other agency which
provides emergency services.
FALSE ALARM
Any signal activated by an AAD, to which an emergency service
is caused to respond, which is not the result of a fire, intrusion,
robbery, medical or other emergency.
INSPECTING AGENCY
Any appropriate emergency service designated by the Town
of Elmira to approve or disapprove applications for permits to install
or permits to operate an AAD.
In the event of any denial, suspension, or revocation of either
a permit to install or a permit to operate, any owner or lessee of
the premises shall initially direct notice to the permitting authority;
and in the event that such denial, suspension or revocation cannot
be resolved to the satisfaction of the owner or lessees, such person
shall then have the right to bring the matter of the denial, suspension,
or revocation before the Town Board by filing with the Town Clerk
a written statement of the nature of such denial, suspension or revocation,
after which the Town Board shall call a meeting within 30 days of
receipt of such written statement to inquire into such denial, suspension
or revocation, with the right of such person to present witnesses
and such other evidence as he may have so as to establish the propriety
of his claim.
If an AAD alarm activates, the inspecting agency or an inspector
acceptable to the Town Board shall inspect the AAD within five days
after the date of the alarm.
The installation, operation and maintenance of AADs permitted
by this chapter, including the connection to central dispatch, must
be made at no cost to the permitting authority or any emergency service.
If the location of any central dispatch should be changed, neither
the permitting authority nor any emergency service shall be liable
for any expense incurred by the owner, lessee or user for moving alarm
systems or reconnecting such systems.
The inspecting agency shall recommend reasonable rules, regulations
and standards for the administration of this chapter, which shall
become effective upon approval by the Town Board. The permitting authority
shall provide for the administration and enforcement of the provisions
of this chapter. The aforesaid rules, regulations or standards shall
be set forth in writing and copies shall be made available to applicants.
Central dispatch is authorized to prescribe the location and
manner of installation of any telephone line, cable or device into
central dispatch.
Any AAD installed in any commercial or public building or multiple
dwelling shall be inspected annually by the inspecting agency or an
inspector acceptable to the Town Board and a report shall be filed
with the permitting authority.
The Town of Elmira shall not be liable for any defect in the
operation of alarm systems, for the failure to respond appropriately,
or any errant response upon receipt of signal, nor for the failure
or defect of any permit referenced in this chapter with respect to
the installation, operation or maintenance of equipment, the transmission
of signals or messages, or the relaying of such signals or messages.