[Code 1961, § 15.11.02(b); Ord.
No. 78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 03-2, §§ 1 — 6, 5-5-2003]
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall
have the respective meanings given herein:
Any person employed by an alarm business whose duties include
the altering, installing, maintaining, moving, repairing, replacing,
selling, servicing, responding to, or causing others to respond to
an alarm device.
Any business operated by a person for a profit which engages
in the activity of altering, installing, leasing, maintaining, repairing,
replacing, selling, servicing, or responding to a burglar alarm system,
holdup alarm system or fire alarm system, or which causes any of these
activities to take place.
An assembly of equipment and devices or a single device,
arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention
and to which police or fire personnel are expected to respond. In
this article, the term "alarm system" shall include the terms "automatic
holdup alarm systems", "burglar alarm systems", "holdup alarm systems",
"manual holdup alarm systems", "personal and premises security systems"
and "fire alarm systems" as those terms are herein defined. Alarm
systems which monitor any other condition not directly related to
the detection of an unauthorized intrusion into a premises or an attempted
robbery or a fire or smoke condition at a premises are specifically
excluded from the provisions of this article.
Any person on whose premises an alarm system is maintained
within the Town, except for alarm systems on motor vehicles or proprietary
systems. If, however, an alarm system on a motor vehicle is connected
with an alarm system at a premises (other than a proprietary system)
the person using such a system is an alarm user. Also excluded from
this definition and from the coverage of this article are persons
within the premises in which an alarm system is located, who use alarm
systems to alert or signal persons of an attempted unauthorized intrusion
or holdup attempt. If such a system, however, employs an audible signal
emitting sounds or a flashing light or beacon designed to signal persons
outside the premises, such system shall be within the definition of
alarm system and shall be subject to this article.
A protocol, acceptable to the Police Chief, that establishes
a procedure for alarm monitoring companies to verify alarms prior
to dispatch to the Town.
The instrumentation on an alarm console at the receiving
terminal of a signal line which through both visual and audible signals
shows when an alarm device at a particular location has been activated
or it may also indicate line trouble.
The American National Standards Institute.
A telephone answering service providing among its services
the service of receiving on a continuous basis through trained employees,
emergency signals from alarm systems, and thereafter immediately relaying
the message by live voice to the communication center of the Town
Police Department.
An alarm system which automatically sends over regular telephone
lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a pre-recorded voice message
or coded signal indicating the existence of the emergency situation
that the alarm system is designed to detect.
An alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated
by the action of the robber.
An alarm system signaling an entry or attempted entry into
the area protected by the system.
An office to which remote alarm and supervisory signaling
devices are connected, where operators supervise the circuits, and
where guards are maintained continuously to investigate signals.
The signal receiving, recording, or retransmitting equipment
installed in the central station.
A system in which the operation of electrical protection
circuits and devices are signaled automatically to, recorded in, maintained,
and supervised from a central station having trained operators and
guards in attendance at all times.
The owner of any protected premises served by a fire alarm
system may declare a commissioning period not to exceed 30 days for
the purpose of testing a fire alarm system as part of new construction
or major renovation that impacted the fire alarm system. Such period
shall be approved by the Fire Marshal and shall, if declared and approved
by the Fire Marshal, be part of a temporary certificate of occupancy
issued by the building official for that project.
An alarm system which has the capability of transmitting
system signals to and receiving them at an agency maintained by the
local government; for example, a police communication center.
A telephone line leading directly from a central station
to the communication center of the Town Police Department that is
for use only to report emergency signals on a person-to-person basis.
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure,
malfunction, improper installation, or the negligence of the owner
or lessee of an alarm system or of the owner's or lessee's
employees or agents. Such terminology does not include, for example,
alarms caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other violent
conditions. False alarms as defined in this article also do not include
those alarms that are transmitted with a criminal, malicious, or mischievous
intent.
A signal or message from a person or device indicating the
existence of a fire or other emergency which requires fire department
action.
The Town of Windsor Volunteer Fire Department.
The certified person designated as Fire Marshal by the Town
or a designated representative of the Fire Marshal.
An alarm system signaling a robbery or attempted robbery.
To connect an alarm system to a voice-grade telephone line,
either directly or through a mechanical device that utilizes a standard
telephone, for the purpose of using the telephone line to transmit
an emergency message upon the activation of the alarm system.
A signaling system which when activated caused an audible
and/or visual signaling device to be activated in or on the premises
within which the system is installed.
An alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated
by the direct action of the person attacked or by an observer of the
attack.
An office to which remote alarm and supervisory signaling
devices are connected, where operators supervise the circuits. Such
modified central station is not listed by Underwriters' Laboratories.
An alarm system protecting people and/or property from unlawful
entry, attack, theft, or similar dangers to which police are expected
to respond.
The publicly supported Police Department of the Town, or
any authorized agent thereof.
The chief of the Police Department of the Town, or a designated
representative of the chief.
A telephone line leading directly into the communication
center of the Town Police Department that is for the purpose of handling
emergency calls on a person-to-person basis, and which is identified
as such by a specific number included among the emergency numbers
listed in the telephone directory issued by the telephone company
and covering the service area within the Town Police Department's
jurisdiction.
An alarm system sounding and/or recording alarm and supervisory
signals at a control center located within the protected premises,
the control center being under the supervision of the proprietor of
the protected premises. If a proprietary system includes a signal
line connected directly or by means of an automatic dialing device
to a police communication center, a central station, modified central
station or answering service, it thereby becomes an alarm system as
defined in this section.
An alarm signaling system which when activated by an alarm
device transmits a signal from an alarm signaling device to a central
location, other than the Town Police Department, where appropriate
action is taken to investigate and respond to the signal.
The transmission line through which the signal passes from
one of the elements of the signal transmission to another.
A telephone line leading into the communication center of
the Town Police Department and having the primary purpose of handling
emergency signals or messages originating either directly or through
a central location from automatic dialing devices.
A person who buys and/or leases, or otherwise obtains, an
alarm signaling system and thereafter contracts with or hires an alarm
business to monitor and/or service the alarm device.
The utility that furnishes telephone services to the Town.
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.02(a); Ord.
No. 78-3, 8-21-1978]
The purpose of this article is to provide minimum standards
and regulations applicable to burglar alarm, holdup alarm, and fire
alarm systems and alarm users as defined in this article, and to encourage
the installation of protective alarm systems in all dwellings, and
commercial, industrial, and agricultural structures.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.013; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 85-2, 9-16-1985; Ord. No. 03-2, §§ 7 — 9, 5-5-2003]
(b)Â
The Town shall set the following standards for alarm performance:
(1)Â
A protected property is allowed three false personal or premises
security alarms to which police are expected to respond in any one
calendar year. After each false alarm, the protected property must
investigate the cause, provide a remedy and report the action taken
to the Police Chief as appropriate. Upon receipt of the fourth false
personal or premises security alarm the Town shall charge a fee for
said fourth false alarm and for each false alarm thereafter in any
one calendar year; such fee to be established by the Town Council
and published in the official price guide.
(2)Â
A protected property is allowed two false fire alarms to which the
fire department is expected to respond in any one calendar year. After
each false alarm, the protected property must investigate the cause,
provide a remedy and report the action taken to the Fire Marshal.
Upon the receipt of the third false fire alarm the Town shall charge
a fee for said third false alarm and for each false alarm thereafter
in any one calendar year; such fee to be established by the Town Council
and published in the official price guide.
(3)Â
Upon receipt of the fourth false burglary or holdup alarm, the Town
shall charge a penalty for said fourth false burglary or holdup alarm
and each false alarm thereafter in any one calendar year; such penalty
to be established by the Town Council and published in the official
price guide. Upon receipt of the seventh false fire alarm, the Town
shall charge a penalty for said seventh false fire alarm and each
such false alarm thereafter in any one calendar year; such penalty
to be established by the Town Council and published in the official
price guide.
(c)Â
If the owner or lessee and/or alarm equipment supplier fails to comply
with any requirements of this article, the Chief of Police may terminate,
in writing, the privilege of having equipment and indicators in the
communications center at the Police Department and may require removal
of the same within three days from the receipt of said written notice,
exclusive of Saturday, Sunday and holidays, at the expense of such
owner or lessee and/or alarm equipment supplier. Failure to remove
said equipment and indicators as specified above shall result in the
town's doing so at the expense of the persons so notified.
(d)Â
Failure to any owner or lessee, and/or alarm equipment supplier to
comply with the requirements of a written notice of a violation of
any provision hereof within three days of receipt of such notice exclusive
of Saturday, Sunday and holidays, shall also constitute an offense
punishable as provided in Section 1-8. Such notice shall continue
in force and effect until full compliance with requirements stated
therein, and each failure to comply with such notice within 24 hours
after the three days allowed for compliance shall constitute a separate
offense.
(e)Â
The failure of a protected property to comply:
(1)Â
With the reporting requirements of Section 12-22(b)(1) or (2)
or failure to pay the penalties levied under Section 12-22(b)(1)
or (2); or
(2)Â
To have more than 10 false personal or premises security or false
fire alarms in any one calendar year shall cause the Police Chief
or fire chief, as appropriate, to issue a written notice to the protected
property that a reduced response assignment will be dispatched until
all systems are serviced by a licensed contractor and restored to
proper (false alarm free) operating condition.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.014; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 03-2, §§ 10 — 12, 5-5-2003]
(a)Â
Existing alarm systems must, within 90 days of adoption of Ordinance
No. 03-2, be registered with the Town of Windsor. Alarm registration
forms will be provided by the Town.
(b)Â
After the ninety-day registration period, any non-registered, protected
properties shall be subject to the penalties of Section 1-8 of
this Code.
(c)Â
For new alarms installed after adoption of Ordinance No. 03-2, the
protected property must obtain an electrical permit for the installation
and register with the Town of Windsor on registration forms provided
by the Town. For new alarm systems, they shall not be considered in
service until after inspection and acceptance by the Police Chief
or Fire Marshal, as appropriate. Failure to comply with these requirements
shall subject the protected property to the penalties of Section 1-8
of this Code.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.03; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978]
(a)Â
No automatic dialing device shall be interconnected to a primary
trunkline.
(b)Â
All automatic dialing devices interconnected to a primary trunkline
shall have been disconnected therefrom. The owner or lessee of such
device shall be responsible for having the device disconnected.
(c)Â
Automatic dialing devices designed to transmit signals directly to
the Town Public Safety Complex may be interconnected to a special
trunkline into the department. Before such a device is interconnected
to a special trunkline, the person performing this operation shall
first obtain instructions from the Town Police Department concerning
the procedure to be followed. The Town Police Department shall designate
the number to be used for this purpose.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.04; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 03-2, § 13, 5-5-2003]
Any alarm system installed in the Town after the adoption of
this amendment shall comply with the following:
(a)Â
Be installed as per the manufacturer's specifications.
(b)Â
Be installed utilizing only equipment listed for alarm signaling
purposes.
(c)Â
Be installed and maintained in compliance with NFPA Standard 72 as
adopted by the state for fire alarm purposes.
(d)Â
Be installed and maintained in compliance with such nationally recognized
standards as adopted by the state for police alarm purposes.
(e)Â
No alarm systems shall be installed that utilize or rely on any features
that may require the use of primary emergency and business phone numbers
or lines utilized at the Public Safety Complex.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.05; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 03-2, §§ 14, 15, 5-5-2003]
(a)Â
Every alarm business that provides alarm services in the Town shall
maintain a current list of such installations for inspection by the
Police Chief or Fire Marshal as appropriate during the course of their
official duties.
(b)Â
Every alarm business shall provide a list to the Town by January
15 of each calendar year of all sites it serves within the Town and
such list(s) shall be updated by the alarm businesses whenever there
is a change.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.06; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 99-3, § 1, 5-3-1999; Ord. No. 03-2, §§ 16
— 18, 5-5-2003]
(a)Â
Every alarm business that provides alarm services to the Town shall
furnish to the owner instructions that provide adequate information
to enable persons using such an alarm to operate it properly and,
if the alarm is to be serviced or maintained by another alarm business,
shall furnish such other alarm business with a manual or other information
necessary to enable it to service or properly maintain such alarm.
(b)Â
If the Police Chief or Fire Marshal reasonably finds such information
to be incomplete or unclear, or inadequate to explain how the alarm
operates and is constructed, such officer, may require the alarm business
to revise the information to meet such officer's approval, and
then to distribute the revised information to persons who have had
such alarms installed as well as to persons subsequently having such
alarms installed.
(c)Â
Every alarm business that provides alarm services to any person which
is installed on such person's premises in the Town shall provide
or make available at all times service to repair such alarm should
it malfunction, and shall furnish to the person buying or leasing
such alarm written information concerning how service may be obtained
at any time, including telephone number to call for service.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.07; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 03-2, § 19, 5-5-2003]
(a)Â
Every alarm business selling or leasing to any person an automatic
dialing device which is installed on such person's premises in
the Town shall furnish that person with instructions that provide
adequate information to enable persons using such device to operate
it properly and, if the device is to be serviced or maintained by
another alarm business, shall furnish such other alarm business with
a manual or other information necessary to enable it to service or
properly maintain such device.
(b)Â
If the Police Chief or Fire Marshal reasonably finds such information
to be incomplete or unclear, or inadequate to explain how the device
operates and is constructed, such officer may require the alarm business
to revise the information to meet such officer's approval, and
then to distribute the revised information to persons who have had
such devices installed as well as to persons subsequently having such
devices installed.
(c)Â
Upon the favorable recommendation of the Police Chief or Fire Marshal
and the approval of the Town Manager, alarms may be terminated in
the Town Public Safety Complex.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.08; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978; Ord. No. 99-3, § 1, 5-3-1999]
(a)Â
Upon the favorable recommendation of the Police Chief or Fire Marshal
and the approval of the Town Manager, alarms from business premises
and financial institutions may be terminated in the Town Public Safety
Complex.
(b)Â
The alarm subscriber approved for a direct connection to the Town
Public Safety Complex or the alarm business contracting for servicing
the subscriber's alarm system, shall be responsible for obtaining
the leased telephone line between subscriber's premises and the
alarm receiving equipment at the Town Public Safety Complex and for
furnishing the appropriate interface equipment, if required, in order
to provide an input signal which is compatible with the receiving
equipment used to operate the standard annunciator panel.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.09; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978]
Each owner or lessee, at such person's expense, is required
to maintain all components of such person's alarm system in good
working order at all times to assure that the sensory mechanism used
in connection with such device be adjusted to suppress false indications
of holdups or intrusions or fire or smoke conditions so that the device
will not be activated by impulses due to short flashes of light, wind,
noises, vehicular noise or other forces unrelated to genuine alarms.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.010; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978]
No alarm system designed to transmit emergency messages directly
to the Town Public Safety Complex shall be tested or demonstrated
without first obtaining permission from the Police Chief or Fire Marshal.
Permission is not required to test or demonstrate alarm devices not
transmitting emergency messages directly to the Town Public Safety
Complex unless the messages are to be relayed to the Police Department
or fire companies.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.011; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978]
When an alarm business services to its subscribers is disrupted
for any reason by the alarm business, or the alarm business becomes
aware of such disruption, it shall promptly notify its subscribers
by telephone that protection is no longer being provided. If, however,
the alarm business has written instructions from its subscriber not
to make such notification by telephone during certain hours, the alarm
business may comply with such instructions.
[Code 1961, § 15.11.012; Ord. No.
78-3, 8-21-1978]
(a)Â
There shall be only one indicator panel, which shall meet the specifications
established by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. and the requirements
of the Chief of Police, installed in the communications control center.
Such panel shall be installed and maintained by the alarm equipment
suppliers at no cost to the Town.
(b)Â
The number of indicators mounted in such panel shall be limited as
the Chief of Police may deem practical and within the capacity of
the police communications center to monitor adequately.
