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 Montague and to reduce or eliminate
false alarms.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any person who owns, operates, leases, or maintains any type of alarm or alarm system as defined in Section
19B-2 herein. 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 operating, leasing or maintaining a premises protected by an alarm system shall be responsible in accordance with this chapter.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, allow or activate
a false alarm as defined in this section. In case of a false alarm,
any person and any registrant who violates this section shall each
be subject to the provisions herein. 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.
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.
Any person, firm, corporation or other entity who violates the
terms of this chapter, including but not limited to other provisions
of this chapter, shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $250, provided,
however, that the following minimum and mandatory fines shall apply
to false alarms.
A. For the first two false alarms in any 12 month period, a warning
shall be issued.
B. For the third false alarm within the 12 month period, a fine of $50
shall be paid to the Township of Montague.
C. For the fourth and subsequent false alarms in any 12 month period,
a fine not to exceed $250 for each occurrence shall be paid to the
Township of Montague, and which shall be accompanied by an advisory
letter (dated within 30 days following the date on which the complaint
was issued) from an alarm company stating that the system is operating
properly. Failure to provide such advisory letter will constitute
a separate offense, subject to penalty after $250.
In the event the State Police determine the person has failed
to take reasonable steps to avoid false alarms, the State Police shall
have the right to require the alarm to be disconnected for either
a limited amount of time or permanently. However, no such disconnection
shall take place without providing the person an opportunity to show
cause before the Municipal Court why such action should not be taken.
The occurrence of three or more false alarms in any calendar month
shall raise the presumption that the person is disregarding the responsibility
to take reasonable remedial steps to avoid false alarms.