[R.O. 2011 §8.04.010; Prior Code §23-58 (part); Ord. No. 5993 §1, 1-9-1995]
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following terms, phrases,
words and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein:
ALARM SUBSCRIBER
Any person who leases, contracts for, buys or otherwise obtains
and operates an alarm system for the purpose of obtaining response
to the alarm from the University City Police or Fire Department, and
on whose premises an alarm system is maintained, excluding audible
alarms on motor vehicles.
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed to
be activated manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized
entry, intrusion or other emergency in or on any building, structure,
facility or premises through the emission of a sound or transmission
of a signal or message.
FALSE ALARM
The activation of an alarm system to which the University
City Police or Fire Department is summoned to respond when no burglary,
robbery or other emergency exists.
[R.O. 2011 §8.04.020; Prior Code §23-58 (part); Ord. No. 5993 §1, 1-9-1995]
A. It shall
be the responsibility of the alarm user/subscriber to:
1. Maintain
and use the premises containing an alarm system in a manner that ensures
proper operation of the alarm system;
2. Maintain
the alarm system in a manner that ensures proper operation of the
alarm system;
3. Not
activate an alarm system for any reason other than the occurrence
of a burglary, robbery or other emergency;
4. Instruct
all persons who are authorized to place the system or device into
operation of the appropriate method of operation.
[R.O. 2011 §8.04.030; Prior Code §23-58 (part); Ord. No. 5993 §1, 1-9-1995]
All bells, sirens or other noise sources that sound in the event
of an alarm must stop automatically within fifteen (15) minutes after
the alarm has been activated.
[R.O. 2011 §8.04.040; Prior Code §23-58 (part); Ord. No. 5993 §1, 1-9-1995]
A. A false
alarm is a violation of this Chapter.
B. False
alarms include those caused by:
1. Mistake
or error by any person which results in the activation of an alarm
system when no burglary, robbery or other emergency exists;
2. Malfunction
of an alarm system caused by a flaw in the normal operation, design,
installation, maintenance of the system, by faulty equipment, or by
a change in the weather, environment or premises upon or within which
the alarm system is operating;
3. Intentional
activation of an alarm system when no burglary, robbery or other emergency
exists.
C. An alarm
will not be considered false if the alarm was caused by:
1. Natural
or man-made catastrophe, or an act of God such as an earthquake or
tornado;
2. Vandalism
resulting in physical damage to the premises;
3. Attempted
entry of a location resulting in visible, physical or other damage
or other indications which substantiate the occurrence of said incident;
4. The
crimes of burglary or robbery;
[R.O. 2011 §8.04.050; Prior Code §23-58 (part); Ord. No. 5993 §1, 1-9-1995]
A. No false
alarm fee shall be assessed against the alarm user/subscriber for
the first (1st) false alarm occurring in any calendar year.
B. A false
alarm fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed against
the alarm user/subscriber for the second (2nd) false alarm occurring
in any calendar year.
C. A false
alarm fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be assessed against the
alarm user/subscriber for each false alarm occurring after the second
(2nd) false alarm in any calendar year.