[Ord. 665, 8/14/2013]
1. 
The Board of Commissioners of Collier Township finds that:
A. 
Improper installation, defective equipment, lack of maintenance or other reasons may cause any fire alarm system to malfunction.
B. 
Each time a volunteer fire company or other municipal department responds to a fire alarm activated because of a malfunction, the cost to the Township and the volunteer fire company is significant.
C. 
In addition to the financial cost, each malfunction requires that emergency personnel respond, thus decreasing the number of personnel available to respond to an actual fire or other emergency.
D. 
False fire alarms jeopardize the safety of emergency personnel as well as the general public.
E. 
The First Class Township Code has vested the Board with the power to regulate the foregoing pursuant to 53 P.S. §§ 56502, 56516 and 56552.
[Ord. 665, 8/14/2013]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any device designed for the detection of fire and that issues an alert to the existence of a fire and that, when activated, transmits a signal or causes to be transmitted a signal.
FALSE ALARM
Any fire alarm signal which is not the result of an actual or potential fire. False alarms shall include, but not be limited to, negligently or accidently activated signals; signals which are the result of faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed or maintained equipment; signals which are purposely or accidently activated to summon fire response in nonfire emergency situations; and alarm fire signals to which the actual cause is not determined.
[Ord. 665, 8/14/2013]
For the purpose of this Part, all persons, including individuals, groups, associates, corporations and other entities shall be deemed responsible to maintain all portions of the "alarm system" which they own, or over which they may have control or custody, in such condition and in such a manner that will prevent the activation of a "false alarm," and such person shall prevent the existence of any external conditions which may cause the activation of a "false alarm."
[Ord. 665, 8/14/2013]
From and after the date of this Part, any person having ownership, custody or control of an alarm system which issues a false alarm shall be in violation of this Part. Each false alarm issued shall constitute a separate violation.
[Ord. 665, 8/14/2013]
1. 
For the first three false alarms which occur in any one twelve-month period from each alarm system, there shall be no charge. For each false alarm thereafter during such twelve-month period, the penalty shall be payable to the Township Treasurer, within 30 days of notification, in the following amounts:
A. 
Fourth and fifth alarm: $50.
B. 
Sixth and seventh alarm: $100.
C. 
Eighth and additional alarms: $150.
2. 
Any person violating this Part by failing to timely pay the penalty due hereunder shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 per violation and to imprisonment to the extent permitted by law for the punishment of summary offenses. Enforcement of this Part shall be by action brought before the District Justice in the same manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. In addition to any other remedy available under law, the Township may enforce this Part by an action in equity. The initial determination of violation of this Part and the service of notice of violation are hereby delegated to the Township Chief Building and Fire Code Officials.