The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for
fire alarm systems and for the requirement of an alarm permit; to
establish fees and penalties for fire department responses to unnecessary
fire alarm system activations caused by system malfunction, negligence
or false intent and to adopt a permit fee for the installation, alteration
or removal of a fire alarm system.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACCIDENTAL ALARM
The unintentional activation of a fire alarm system without
malicious intent.
CENTRAL STATION FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A fire alarm system in which the operation of circuits and
devices are transmitted automatically to a supervising station that
has competent and experienced personnel who, upon receipt of a signal,
notifies the emergency service provider when necessary.
FALSE ALARM/MALICIOUS INTENT
The intentional activation of a fire alarm by a person under
circumstances where that person has no reasonable basis to believe
that an emergency situation has occurred or is occurring.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed for
the detection of smoke, heat, flame or activation of a fire-suppression
system in a building, structure or facility; and which transmits a
signal or message when activated. Alarm systems include, but are not
limited to, direct-dial telephone alarm systems, audible alarm systems,
proprietary alarm systems, central station alarm systems and remote
station alarm systems.
LOCAL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A fire alarm system that employs a locally complete arrangement
of parts, initiating devices and annunciating devices which generates
an audible or visual signal inside the premises only and does not
make any notification to a supervising station. Alarm activation requires
the occupant to take action to contact and request response by emergency
service providers.
MALFUNCTION ALARM
Any alarm caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper
installation or lack of proper maintenance, or any alarm activated
by a cause that cannot be determined.
NOTICE
Notice given by personal service upon the addressee, or given
by the United States Postal Service to last known address. Service,
postage prepaid, addressed to the person to be notified at his or
her last known address of such notice shall be effective upon completion
of personal service, or upon placing of the same in the custody of
the United States Postal Service.
NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE
A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, light,
speaker, siren or text display that provides audible, tactile or visible
outputs or any combination thereof.
PERSON
An individual, individuals, corporation, partnership, incorporated
association, unincorporated association or other like or similar entity.
PROPRIETARY ALARM SYSTEM
A fire alarm system installed on a premises that is monitored
by a supervising station occupying that premises at which trained,
competent personnel are in constant attendance.
SUBSCRIBER
The recipient of a contractual supervising station signal
service(s) of a fire alarm system or for the servicing or maintenance
of a fire alarm system from an alarm business.
SUPERVISING STATION
A facility that receives fire alarm signals and at which
personnel are in attendance at all times to take action when such
signals are received.
All fire alarm systems shall meet the applicable standards of
the underwriters laboratories and/or the National Fire Protection
Association, and/or recognized industry standards, and shall be permitted
under this chapter if in conformity thereto. A fire alarm system which
does not meet any of the above standards or for which there is no
recognized industry standard shall require applicant for a permit
to submit such evidence of the reliability of suitability of the fire
alarm system. Any permit issued for such a fire alarm system which
does not conform to recognized industry standards shall be conditionally
subject to satisfactory performance of said fire alarm system after
installation. The applicant for a permit may be required to submit
to the Fire Chief subsequent evidence of the reliability and suitability
of the fire alarm system.
If it is necessary for any reason to disconnect a fire alarm
system, then, prior to the reconnection, the system shall be inspected
by the Fire Chief, the owner/operator of the property and the alarm
company representative. After the inspection has been conducted and
the malfunctions have been corrected, reconnection will be allowed.
Any and all charges which result from the disconnection and reconnection
will be the responsibility of the owner/operator of the property.
Any and all tests or inspections of a fire alarm system or fire
drill that requires the activation of a fire alarm system shall be
conducted with the prior knowledge of the Greenville Fire Department.
The information furnished and secured by pursuant to this chapter
shall be kept confidential in character and shall not be subject to
public inspection and shall be kept so that the content thereof shall
not be known except to persons charged with the administration of
this chapter or as an employee of the Borough responding to an activation
in a business, facility or structure set forth in this chapter.
Administration and enforcement of this chapter shall be functions
of the Borough of Greenville and shall include the following:
A. Authority to accept or reject a permit application or revoke a permit
because of a misrepresentation or false statement contained in the
application for a permit, or failure to correct any deficiencies in
equipment or operation of a fire alarm system after receiving due
notice from the Borough, or not meeting other conditions and specifications
of this chapter.
B. Authority to order the disconnection of a fire alarm system until
such system is made to comply with operational standards set forth
herein, but only when evidence when failure to comply with said standards
imposes a burden upon the Borough as a result of unnecessary fire
alarms.
C. Authority, at reasonable times to enter any premises in the Borough
to inspect the installation and operation of a fire alarm system.
The issuance of a permit shall not constitute acceptance by
the Borough of any liability to maintain any equipment, to answer
alarms, or to otherwise render the Borough liable to any person or
persons for any loss or damage relating to the fire alarm system or
procedures.
Any person, firm, corporation or association who shall violate
any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced
to pay a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $600 plus costs and,
in default of the payment of said fine and costs, for a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 90 days. Each day that the violation of this chapter
continues shall constitute a separate offense.