For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and phrases are
defined as follows:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical, electrical or electronic device which is
designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a
building, structure or facility, or the alerting of others about the
commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility,
or for alerting others about the existence of any other condition
requiring response of police, fire or ambulance personnel and which
emits and/or transmits an audible and/or visual signal or message
when actuated. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, direct-dial
telephone devices, audible alarms and subscriber alarms.
AUDIBLE ALARM
A device that emits an audible signal from the premises that
it is designed to protect.
DIRECT DIAL ALARM
A device that, when actuated, causes a recorded message to
be transmitted, by way of telephone, to any emergency service including,
but not limited to, fire companies, ambulance, rescue squad and/or
police departments serving any Borough residence or business, stating
that emergency response is necessary.
FALSE ALARM
An alarm signal, necessitating response by the emergency
agency where an emergency situation does not exist. An alarm that
has been activated by an external source that is beyond the reasonable
control of the subscriber shall not be considered false.
POLICE
The Central Bucks Regional Police Department.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the general
alerting alarms that may be used by fire companies, ambulance squads
or civil defense agencies to summon response of their members. The
provisions of this chapter shall not apply to alarm systems that are
affixed to motor vehicles.
[Amended 12-18-2001 by Ord. No. 326; at time of adoption of Code (see
Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any owner, lessee or user who violates or permits a violation
of this chapter shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding under
the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be guilty of a summary
offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000,
plus court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Borough
in the enforcement proceedings. Upon judgment against any person by
summary conviction, or by proceedings by summons on default of the
payment of the fine or penalty imposed and the costs, the defendant
may be sentenced and committed to the Borough correctional facility
for a period not exceeding 10 days or to the county correctional facility
for a period not exceeding 30 days. Failure to comply with any notice
sent by the Borough within three days of receipt shall be deemed an
offense. Each day that such violation exists shall constitute a separate
offense, and each section of this chapter that is violated shall also
constitute a separate offense. In addition to or in lieu of enforcement
under this section, the Borough may enforce this chapter in equity
in the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County.