[Ord. No. 247 §1, 7-9-2001]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALARM SYSTEM
An assembly of equipment and devices, or a single device, which may operate from a power source, designed to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which police and fire personnel are expected to respond. Also known as a "police alarm device" or "fire alarm device." These systems include but are not limited to the following types:
1. 
Automatic dial protection device.
2. 
Audible siren or whistle.
3. 
Burglar alarm system.
4. 
Police alarm system.
5. 
Fire alarm system.
FALSE ALARM
1. 
Any alarm signal originating from a police alarm device, fire alarm device, direct alarm device or audible alarm device to which Police or Fire Department personnel respond and which results from:
a. 
False activation, including but not limited to reporting a robbery where no actual or attempted robbery has occurred, or reporting a burglar alarm where there is no evidence to substantiate an attempted or forced entry to the premises.
b. 
Alarm malfunction, including mechanical failure or electrical failure.
c. 
Alarm triggered by subscriber's or subscriber's employee negligence, including overly sensitive settings.
2. 
An alarm will not be considered a false alarm if it is determined that the alarm was caused by:
a. 
Natural or man-made catastrophe, including tornadoes, floods and earthquakes.
b. 
Vandalism causing physical damage to the premises.
c. 
Telephone line malfunction verified in writing to the Chief of Police by an authorized telephone company representative within seven (7) days of the occurrence.
d. 
Electrical service interruption verified in writing to the Chief of Police by an authorized electrical utility representative within seven (7) days of the occurrence.
e. 
An attempted entry at a location that causes visible physical or other evidence of damage to the location.
f. 
The test of an alarm system by an agent or employee who is present at the premises and is servicing, repairing or installing the alarm, provided that notification has been made to the Police Department prior to the test.
ZONING AREAS AFFECTED
This Article shall apply to all zoning areas within the City of Hallsville, Missouri.
[Ord. No. 247 §2, 7-9-2001]
A. 
Notification And False Alarm Documentation Procedure.
1. 
After responding to a false alarm, the responding officer will document the occurrence and provide that information to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police will then log the incident and send a letter of notification by first class mail to the property owner and/or lessee notifying them of the occurrence and advising them of the number of the occurrences.
[Ord. No. 247 §3, 7-9-2001]
A. 
It shall be the policy of the City of Hallsville to assess an administrative fee with the intent to recover actual costs of the Police Department for the response to these false alarms.
B. 
False Alarm Fee Schedule. The owners and lessees of any property protected by an alarm system shall be jointly and severally liable for payment of the following false alarm violation fee penalty:
1. 
For the fourth (4th) and subsequent false alarms by any alarm system within a thirty-day period: $50 for each alarm.
2. 
For the thirteenth (13th) and subsequent false alarms by any alarm system within a twelve-month period: $50 for each alarm.
C. 
Responsibility For Payment.
1. 
Payment request shall be sent initially to the current occupant/lessee, and if no payment is received, then the City shall take whatever civil action necessary to recover the above fee. If no payment is received from the occupant/lessee, then payment request shall be sent to the property owner.
2. 
The City of Hallsville reserves the right to terminate the business license of the occupant/lessee and/or terminate municipal utility service until payment of the aforementioned fee is received.