This chapter is enacted for the purpose of regulating the approval,
registration and use of alarm systems and automatic dialing devices
within North Codorus Township in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 7511,
Act 70, as amended.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any person who
owns, operates or maintains an alarm system designated to summon the
police, fire department or other municipal agencies to any location
in response to any type of alarm signal.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALARM CONSOLE
The console or control panel giving visual or audio notice
of intrusion, fire, smoke or other peril located within the confines
of York County Control or some other central monitoring station.
ALARM SYSTEM
Any device or combination of devices designated and intended
to give visual or audio notice of an intrusion, fire, smoke, flood
or other peril.
FALSE ALARM
Any alarm produced by an alarm system when the alarm system
has been activated by inadvertence, negligence or intentional or unintentional
act of someone other than an intruder or any alarm caused by the malfunction
of the alarm system and related equipment. The term "false alarm"
shall not include alarms produced by the malfunction of the alarm
console.
FALSE FIRE ALARM
Any false alarm which requires primary response by fire-fighting
personnel and equipment.
FALSE POLICE ALARM
Any false alarm which requires primary response by the Northern
York Regional Police Department or any other police department.
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, corporation or association.
On and after the effective date of this chapter, it shall be
unlawful for any person to transmit, cause to be transmitted or allow
to be transmitted any false alarm originating from an alarm system.
Any person who shall transmit, cause to be transmitted or allow to
be transmitted a false alarm shall, after the transmission of such
false alarm, comply with the provisions of this chapter or, in lieu
thereof, shall be prosecuted as provided by law.
Any person who knows or has reason to know that an alarm transmitted
by an alarm system is a false alarm shall immediately notify York
County Control or any other agency monitoring an alarm console, the
Northern York Regional Police Department, the Fire Department or other appropriate agency that the
alarm transmitted by the alarm system is a false alarm.
Notice as required by this chapter shall be given by the Police
or Fire Chief or his designee to the person occupying the premises
where the alarm system is located by mailing a copy of this notice,
by first-class mail, to such person at the address where the alarm
system is located. Personal service of the notice may also be given
by handing a copy of the notice to the occupant of the premises where
the alarm system is located, to an adult resident thereof or an employee
located thereon. If service is made by personal service, the Police
or Fire Chief or his designee shall file a proof of service which
shall be under oath and which shall designate the person and title
upon whom service was made.
Where the provisions of this chapter would cause unique and
undue hardship as it applies to a particular person, the Board of
Supervisors of North Codorus Township may grant a modification from
the strict application of the terms of this chapter if the modification
will not conflict with the general purposes of this chapter. In granting
a modification, the Board of Supervisors may impose conditions which
will substantially secure compliance with the purposes of this chapter.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter
shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding
commenced by North Codorus Township, pay a fine not exceeding $600
plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred
by North Codorus Township. Northern York police officers, the appropriate code enforcement officers of North Codorus
Township, the Fire Chief of North Codorus Township or other appropriate
officer or officers of North Codorus Township shall have the power
to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The amount of the fine
imposed for the violation of this chapter shall be established by
the officer who determines that a violation has occurred. Notice of
the violation of this chapter and the amount of the fine imposed shall
be given by personal delivery or by certified mail to the person violating
this chapter. If the person violating this chapter fails or refuses
to pay the fine imposed within the period specified in the notice
of the violation of this chapter, the Township shall file a civil
enforcement proceeding with the Magisterial District Justice to enforce
the fine imposed to the court hereunder.