This chapter shall be known as the "Washington Township Alarm
System Ordinance."
The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards and regulations
concerning the installation, operation and maintenance of certain
alarm systems within the Township of Washington and to reduce or eliminate
false alarms.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any device employed to call attention to, or provide warning
of, fire or emergency management services whether the same provides
a visual or audio response, alarm or warning. The term "alarm system"
shall not include:
A.
Concealed battery or electrically powered smoke detector or
carbon monoxide detector units located within single-family residences
which give out an audible signal;
B.
Automobile alarm systems;
C.
An alarm designed to alert only the inhabitants of a premises
that does not have a sounding device which can be heard on the exterior
of the alarm site.
CENTRAL ALARM STATION
An alarm station that transmits the alarm to an alarm processing
center which then calls to dispatch the Fire Department or EMS.
DIAL ALARM
An alarm device, using telephone or other lines, which transmits
an alarm signal to the fire or emergency squad.
FALSE ALARM
Any alarm or signal activated or transmitted by inadvertent,
negligent, unintentional or intentional act or omission of a person
(caused or transmitted other than by an intruder) and shall also include
alarms caused by malfunctioning of the alarm device or other related
equipment. False alarms shall not include:
A.
Activation caused by power or phone line interruptions when
such interruptions have been reported to the New Jersey State Police;
B.
An alarm which is canceled by the owner registrant, or agent,
prior to the time the responding fire or emergency squad is dispatched
to the alarm site; and
C.
When the responding investigator finds evidence of criminal
offense or attempted criminal offense, or calamity such as fire by
natural elements.
PERSON
Any natural person, partnership, corporation, association
or other entity.
REGISTRANT
Any person who owns, operates or leases an alarm system within
the scope of this chapter, who has been issued a registration permit
to operate and maintain such alarm system.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any person who owns, operates, leases, or maintains any type of alarm or alarm system or maintains a central alarm station as defined in §
107-3. The provisions of this chapter shall in no way prohibit service by a private source to persons within or without the Township, so long as such persons operating, leasing or maintaining a premises protected by an alarm system shall be responsible for the registration in accordance with this chapter.
A registration fee of $10 shall be submitted with each registration
form. Registration shall be submitted within 30 days of system installation.
A separate registration shall be required for each residential or
business alarm system as well as a registration of the central alarm
system. Failure to register shall result in a fine not to exceed $50,
provided the system is registered within 30 days of imposition of
the fine. After that period, each additional month is a separate violation.
It shall be unlawful for any registered person to cause, allow or activate a false alarm as defined in this chapter. In case of a false alarm, any person and any registrant who violates this section shall each be subject to the provisions of §
107-11. In case of a false alarm, any person having knowledge of the false alarm shall immediately notify the New Jersey State Police. The New Jersey State Police shall be responsible for enforcing this section.
Alarm devices having an audible alarm installed out-of-doors shall be designed to limit the operation of a bell or sound-producing instrument to a maximum of 20 minutes after the activation. If the duration of an outside audible alarm exceeds 20 minutes, the warnings and penalties provided by §
107-11 of this chapter shall apply as though a false alarm has been activated.
The Township of Washington is under, and assumes, no duty or
obligation to any permittee or other persons by reasons of issuance
or failure to issue any registration permit.
The Township Committee may from time to time promulgate rules
and regulations supplementing this chapter in order to provide for
record keeping and efficient management of the system.