[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
As used in this chapter:
ALARM SYSTEM
A device or group of devices designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry or an attempted unauthorized entry on premises or for alerting others of the commission of any unlawful act, or both, or for the detection of fire or other health hazards, and which, when actuated, emits sound or light or transmit a signal or message, including an automatic protection device.
AUDIBLE ALARM SYSTEM
An alarm system which causes an alarm to be sounded on the exterior of a premises in such a manner that it is intended to be heard by a person not within the premises from which it is transmitted or received.
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION DEVICE
A device which is interconnected to a telephone line and is programmed to select a predetermined telephone number and transmit by voice message or code signal an emergency message indicating a need for police, fire or emergency medical personnel response. This definition includes alarms received from private security companies. For purposes of this chapter, an automatic dialing device is deemed to be an alarm system and subject to the regulations set forth herein.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
All structures whose primary use is not a dwelling and more than 50% of the floor space of which is not used as a dwelling.
FALSE ALARM
Any signal transmitted by an alarm system or automatic protection device that alerts a municipal organization, and which is not the result of an actual or threatened emergency requiring its immediate response. False alarms shall include, but not be limited to, negligently or accidentally activated signals; signals which are the result of faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed or maintained equipment; signals which are purposely or accidentally activated to summon emergency medical, fire or police personnel in non-emergency situations; and alarm signals for which the actual cause is not determined.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation or other legal entity.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
A structure that is primarily used as a dwelling.
SUBSCRIBER
The user, tenant, lessee, agent, employee, resident or other entity who or which owns or is entitled to possession of any premises on which an alarm has been installed.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
No person shall install or maintain an automatic protection device, or an alarm system, without first obtaining an alarm permit from the Director of Police, for medical or security alarm systems, or the Fire Marshal, for fire alarm systems. Such permit shall contain the following information: the person's name and address; the address where the alarm is installed; the type of building and use; the type of system (silent, visual, audible or fire); the manufacturer's name and service company; whom to notify in case of emergency; and the terms and conditions of the permit.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
(a) 
The Director of Police, or his or her designee, shall have the right to inspect medical and security alarm systems, and the Fire Marshal, or his or her designee, shall have the right to inspect fire alarm systems on the premises where it is installed, both prior to and subsequent to the issuance of the permit, at reasonable times, to determine whether a permit should be granted or whether it is being used in conformity with the terms and conditions of the permit and the provisions of this chapter.
(b) 
Subscribers shall maintain alarm systems in proper operating condition at all times.
(c) 
Each subscriber shall supply the Director of Police or the Fire Marshal, upon application for the permit, with the subscriber's name, address and telephone number and the name, address and telephone number of an agent or other responsible persons designated to respond to the location from which the alarm is received when notified by the police, fire or emergency medical personnel. Thereafter, any change in the name, address or telephone number of the persons designated to respond must be immediately furnished to the Director of Police or the Fire Marshal.
(d) 
The persons designated by the subscriber to respond to the alarm location shall do so expeditiously, in any case not longer than one hour from the time of notification by police, fire or emergency medical personnel. An administrative fee of $30 shall be imposed for each one-half hour thereafter until such time as the designee arrives at the location. In the event the subscriber has failed to provide or keep current the information required in Subsection (c) hereof, or if notification cannot be made, due to the fault of the subscriber, the administrative fee shall be imposed from the time of attempted notification until the designated person arrives at the location.
(e) 
Audible alarms shall have, as part of the device, a system whereby the alarm is shut off, automatically or manually, within a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of activation.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
For each false alarm received in excess of three within any calendar year a charge of $50 shall be made on an alarm system subscriber in a commercial building and $25 in a private dwelling. Payment of the false alarm charge is due to the Municipality within 30 calendar days of notice of such charge. No person shall refuse to pay the charge for answering a false alarm when imposed.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
The Director of Police may, upon reasonable cause, order an alarm device disconnected from the police or fire telephone lines. Further, the Director may revoke a permit which has been issued or prevent the issuance of a permit. The person so affected may appeal the decision of the Director, in writing, to the Municipal Manager, within 10 working days.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
The Municipality shall not be liable to any person under the provisions of this chapter for any damage or loss which may result from a delay in response to an alarm or a delay in the transmission of an alarm or the emergency medical, fire or police personnel leaving the location prior to the designated person arriving, because of another emergency.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
An individual charged an administration fee or a false alarm charge pursuant to this chapter may appeal such fee or charge, in writing, to the Director of Police, for medical and/or security alarms, and to the Fire Marshal, for fire alarms, within 10 working days from receipt of notice of such charge. The Director of Police or the Fire Marshal shall meet with the appellant and if the Director or the Fire Marshal determines the fee or charge is unwarranted, the fee and/or charge may be waived. An appeal from the Director's or the Fire Marshal's decision may be made, in writing, within 10 working days, to the Municipal Manager. The Manager, or his or her designee, shall provide a hearing for the appellant and may sustain or overrule the decision of the Director or the Fire Marshal.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
(a) 
Any person who owns or operates a commercial or industrial business, including, but not limited to, retail shops, hotels, restaurants, places of amusement or entertainment, factories, and places of public assembly or meeting, shall provide to the Director of Police the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three persons designated to respond to the location in the event of an emergency occurring outside of normal business operating hours when so requested by emergency medical, fire or police personnel.
(b) 
Any change in the names, addresses or telephone numbers of the persons designated to respond must be immediately furnished to the Director of Police.
(c) 
The person or persons designated to respond to the location shall do so expeditiously, in any case not longer than one hour from the time of notification by the emergency medical, fire or police personnel. An administrative fee of $30 shall be imposed for each 1/2 hour thereafter until such time as the designee arrives at the location. In the event the Director of Police has not been provided with the information or change in information required in this section, or if notification cannot be made, which is due to the fault of the person required to give the information, the administrative fee shall be imposed from the time of attempted notification until the responsible person arrives at the location.
(d) 
Any person charged an administrative fee hereunder shall have those rights of appeal set forth in Section 848.07.
[Ord. 2295, passed 8-5-1998]
No person shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter after being notified by the Director of Police or the Fire Marshal, in writing, of such violation. Such notice shall continue in force and effect until full compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation or non-compliance occurs or continues after three days have been allowed for compliance.