This article shall be known as the "Fire Alarm Ordinance of Upper Darby Township."
This article shall regulate all matters concerning the design, installation, repair, testing, monitoring, maintenance and operation of all fire alarm systems and related devices; fixing fees and regulations pertaining to the licensing of fire alarm contractors; and prescribing penalties for violations hereof.
The high incidence of false fire alarms and/or alarm malfunctions causes a significant misuse of the manpower and resources of the Upper Darby Township Fire Department by causing the dispatch of units to the scene of a false alarm or alarm malfunction which renders them out of service and unavailable to respond to legitimate emergency situations. This article shall be construed to secure its expressed intent which is to insure public safety, health, and welfare by controlling the design of, testing of, repair of, installation of, and maintenance requirements of fire alarm systems installed and operating within Upper Darby Township, thereby reducing the service demands on the Upper Darby Police Department and improving the safety to the public.
The provisions of this article shall apply to all matters affecting or relating to fire alarm systems and fire alarm contractors and shall apply equally to new and existing buildings and conditions. This includes all required and nonrequired fire alarm systems.
The Upper Darby Township Council hereby provides for determination of matters not provided for herein by authorizing certain actions by the Administration.
A. 
Administrative orders may be issued by the Director of Licenses and Inspection to clarify ordinance questions and to establish departmental policy where no specific criteria exists, or where administrative guidance is needed to establish a methodology to resolve recurring problems.
B. 
Standard design bulletins will be issued where Code criteria leave a specific aspect of the design installation to the judgment of the Director of Licenses and Inspection or another party designated by the Administration. They will set specific design criteria where necessary.
The continuation of use of a fire alarm system or the designing, installation, testing, repair and maintenance of fire alarm systems by any person(s), firm, or corporation contrary to the provisions of this article shall be deemed a violation and subject to the fees and penalties prescribed in this article. Each day that an unlawful use or practice continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
When the provisions herein are more restrictive than other regulations, this article shall control, but in any case, the most rigid requirements of any other applicable code or regulation shall apply whenever a conflict exists.
The standards referenced in this article and those listed in the appendixes of any building or fire codes as adopted or amended by Upper Darby Township shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this article. Where differences occur between provisions of this article and other standards, the provisions of this article shall apply.
All newly installed required fire alarm systems shall be certificated by UL or FM as required in the National Fire Alarm Code, also known as "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72," referenced herein.
A. 
Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this article, have the meanings in this section.
B. 
Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.
C. 
Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this article and are defined in the building, fire, mechanical and electrical codes or bound to other applicable codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes as adopted by Upper Darby Township. Definitions found in NFPA standards for fire protection and electrical installations shall apply in this article, when not otherwise specifically defined.
D. 
Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
E. 
Specific definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGENT
Any person who shall have charge, care, or control of any building as representative of the owner, including an executor, executrix, coordinator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person representing the actual owner shall comply with the provisions of this code to the same extent as if that person were the owner.
ALARM
Any audible or visible signal indicating existence of a fire or emergency that requires response on the part of the Upper Darby Fire Department. Included in this arc the alarm devices by which fire and emergency signals are received.
ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE
A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light, or text display that provides audible, tactile, or visible outputs or any combination thereof.
ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE
A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period, after being automatically reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm initiation signal.
APPROVED
Approved by the Director of Licenses and Inspection or his subordinates or designees (code officials).
AUTOMATIC
A device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise, or combustion particles.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
An approved, listed device which is intended to detect invisible particles of carbon monoxide. This device is not classified as a fire alarm initiating device. If carbon monoxide detectors are supervised by a central station, then such alarm shall transmit as a distinct carbon monoxide alarm.
CENTRAL STATION
A supervising station that is listed, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) for central station service and is approved by the Director of Licenses and Inspection.
CENTRAL STATION SERVICE
A system or group of systems in which the operations of circuits and devices at a protected property are signaled to, recorded in, and supervised from a listed central station (such as UL or FM) having competent and experienced operators who, upon receipt of a signal, take such action as required by NFPA 72 currently in effect or as subsequently amended. Related activities at the protected property such as equipment installation, inspection, maintenance, and runner service are also the responsibility of the central station or a fire alarm contractor. Central station service is controlled and operated by a person, firm, or corporation whose business is the furnishing of such contracted services or whose properties are the protected premises.
CERTIFICATED SYSTEM
A fire alarm system certified by UL or FM. A system installed under such a program is identified by the issuance of a certificate by UL or FM and is designated as a certificated system.
CODE OFFICIALS
The subordinates or designees of the Director of Licenses and Inspection.
DIRECTOR OF LICENSES AND INSPECTION
The Upper Darby Township official charged with the duty of administration and enforcement of codes as adopted by Upper Darby Township.
FALSE ALARM (UNWANTED ALARM)
An alarm malfunction or malicious fire alarm as defined herein.
(1) 
ALARM MALFUNCTIONThe activation of any alarm which results in the response of the Upper Darby Fire Department caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or lack of proper maintenance or any other response for which the Upper Darby Fire Department personnel are unable to gain access to the premises for any reason, or are unable to determine the apparent cause of the alarm activation.
(2) 
MALICIOUS FIRE ALARMThe activation of any alarm which results in the response of the Upper Darby Fire Department caused by the negligence or intentional misuse of the system by the owner or his employees, servants or agents; or any other activation not caused by heat, smoke or fire, exclusive of an alarm malfunction. An alarm is not considered a malicious fire alarm if the alarm is activated due to causes beyond the control of the owner.
FIRE ALARM AFFIDAVIT
A form for completion by the Fire Chief or their designee when responding to an alarm. Where an alarm malfunction occurs, the fire alarm affidavit of service/repair shall also be completed by a licensed fire alarm company and by the owner/occupant.
FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL
A manually operated device used to initiate an alarm signal.
FIRE ALARM SIGNAL
A signal initiated by a fire alarm initiating device such as a manual fire alarm box, automatic fire detector, sprinkler water flow switch or other device whose activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or fire signal.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of the fire alarm or supervisory signal initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.
HEAT DETECTOR
A fire detector that detects either abnormally high temperature or rate of rise, or both.
INITIATING DEVICE
A system component that originates transmission of a change of state condition, such as in the smoke detector, manual fire alarm box, or supervisory switch.
KNOX-BOX
A secure, tamperproof device with a lock operable only by the Fire Department master key; and containing entry keys and other keys that may be required for access in an emergency.
LISTED
Equipment, materials, products or services included in a list published by an organization acceptable to a code official or the Fire Code Official and concerned with the evaluation of products or services that maintains periodic inspection of products of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services and whose listing states either that the equipment, material, product or service meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specific purpose.
NONREQUIRED FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Any fire alarm system not required by this article or by building or fire codes in effect in Upper Darby Township.
REQUIRED FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
A fire alarm system required by this article and any building or fire codes in effect in Upper Darby Township.
SMOKE DETECTOR
An approved, listed device that senses visible and invisible particles of combustion.
SUPERVISORY SIGNAL
A signal indicating the need of action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire suppression systems or equipment, or the maintenance features of related systems.
TROUBLE SIGNAL
A signal initiated by the fire alarm system or device indicative of a fault in a monitored circuit or component.
UPPER DARBY FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE RESCUE
A combination career and volunteer fire rescue system, which provides the primary fire and rescue services within Upper Darby Township.
Fire alarm systems for new buildings or other structures shall be installed as provided in the building, fire, and other applicable codes in effect in Upper Darby Township. Permits shall be applied for and obtained as provided in this article.
A. 
Additions or alterations to or rehabilitation of structures. Enclosed additions or interior alterations to, change in use of, or major rehabilitation of any building shall require that existing fire alarm systems shall conform to the requirements for new fire alarm systems as described herein.
B. 
Existing, nonconforming systems. Any fire alarm system installed prior to the adoption of this article should be upgraded or improved to provide a minimum level of protection as directed by a code official.
C. 
Existing, nonrequired systems. All nonrequired fire alarm systems should provide a minimum level of protection as directed by the Fire Chief or designated code official. All nonrequired fire alarm systems shall be maintained and remain in service unless approval to discontinue the system(s) is received in writing from the Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee. Any approved discontinued systems and related equipment shall be completely removed from the structure so as not to give a false indication that the building, area, or space is protected by a fire alarm system.
A. 
General.
(1) 
All fire alarm systems, devices, and service equipment installed in or on any structure in Upper Darby Township shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times. It shall be unlawful for any person(s) to reduce or interfere with the operational effectiveness of a fire alarm system.
(2) 
This requirement shall not prohibit a licensed fire alarm company technician from temporarily reducing or discontinuing the protection where necessary to make tests, repairs, alterations, extensions, or additions. Alterations, extensions, or additions to fire alarm systems require written approval from a code official. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall be notified in writing, including facsimile or email, prior to when disconnection and interruption of protection caused by tests, repairs, alterations, extensions or additions are started and upon completion of such work and shall be advised of the extent of and reason for such work. The restoration of the protection shall be accomplished within four hours in sleeping occupancies and within 72 hours in all other occupancies.
B. 
Maintenance.
(1) 
It shall be the duty of the building owner(s) to install, test, repair and maintain the following systems in accordance with the applicable NFPA standard in effect: automatic fire detection devices (including smoke and heat detectors); fire alarm systems; automatic fire sprinkler systems, including fire pumps and standpipes; automatic fire suppression systems; central station monitoring, when such systems and/or devices are required by Upper Darby Township ordinances.
(2) 
It shall be the duty of a tenant or lessee to maintain all required fire alarm systems and/or related components noted above when so required as part of a written lease agreement or a written maintenance agreement.
C. 
Alarms out of service (O.O.S.). When the building alarm is out of service while the building is occupied, a fire watch is required to be posted every hour on each floor and one fire guard on the perimeter of the building. The fire watch activity must be logged in and is subject to inspection.
A. 
General. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall enforce all of the provisions of this article and shall act on any question relative to the manner of design, installation, testing, repair, maintenance, materials, equipment, and devices, or any related issues pertaining to fire alarm systems, except as otherwise specifically provided for by statutory requirements or by this article.
B. 
Application and permits. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall receive applications, plans, specifications, monitoring/supervisory information, permit fees and shall issue permits for the installation of, additions, extensions, or alterations to fire alarm systems. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this article.
C. 
Affidavits and notice of violations. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, in charge of any incident involving a fire alarm system shall be responsible for executing the fire alarm affidavit form and forwarding a copy of all responses to automatic fire alarms to the Department of Licenses and Inspection. Code officials shall issue all necessary notices or orders to correct improper conditions with fire alarm systems to ensure compliance with all code requirements for the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
D. 
Inspections. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall make all required inspections of premises to enforce compliance with the provisions of this article. Inspections shall include, but are not limited to, a final acceptance test.
E. 
Rule-making authority. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall have power as necessary in the interest of public health, safety, and general welfare to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this article as authorized by the Upper Darby Township Council to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules shall not have the effect of waiving structural or fire performance requirements specifically provided for in this article or in building and fire codes as adopted and amended by Upper Darby Township Council.
F. 
Department records. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall keep official records of applications received, permits, approvals, and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued, including affidavits issued and received.
G. 
Annual report. The Fire Chief or Director of Licenses and Inspection, or their designee, shall submit an annual report to the Administration, regarding automatic fire alarm responses and corrective actions taken by the Department of Licenses and Inspection regarding noncompliant systems.
H. 
Multiple-tenant buildings central station service. New and existing multiple-tenant buildings, as determined by the Director of Licenses and Inspection, shall be monitored, and have inspections, testing, maintenance, and runner service provided by one central station service company, which is UL- or FM-listed.
I. 
Exception. Buildings with an anchor store from which other stores are separated by a code- compliant fire wall or fire barrier may contract with a different central station service company.
A. 
When permit is required. It shall be unlawful to alter or add to existing fire alarm systems or to install a fire alarm system or related components of a fire alarm system for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this article without first filing the appropriate application, paying the applicable fee, and submitting the required design information with the Department of Licenses and Inspection in writing and obtaining the required permit. "Repairs," as defined by § 160-26 of this article, which do not involve any violation of this article shall not require a permit.
B. 
Form of application. The application for a permit shall be submitted in such form as the Director of Licenses and Inspection prescribes and shall be accompanied by the required fee as prescribed by a resolution of the Upper Darby Township Council.
C. 
By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made by an owner or an authorized agent of a fire alarm contractor properly licensed by Upper Darby Township to install, extend, repair, and maintain fire alarm systems in Upper Darby Township.
D. 
Plans and specifications.
(1) 
Residential. Plans and specifications are not required to be submitted for one- and two- family dwellings; however, after the application for a permit and fee are submitted, a preliminary inspection shall be scheduled with a code official and the permit applicant for the purpose of determining the locations of smoke detectors, notification appliances, and related equipment devices in the building prior to their installation.
(2) 
Commercial/industrial/nonresidential. The permit application, permit fee, and completed fire alarm submittal guide for commercial fire alarm systems (including multiple-family dwellings) shall be submitted. Two copies of plans and specifications shall be submitted. Plans shall be drawn to scale or clearly dimensioned, with sufficient clarity and detail to show the nature and character of work to be performed. When the quality of materials, equipment, or devices is essential for conformity to this article, specific information shall be given to establish such quality. This article shall not be cited, or the terms "legal" or "approved" or their equivalent be used as a substitute for specific information. A code official is permitted to waive the requirement for filing plans when repair work of a minor nature is involved.
E. 
Action on application. A code official shall examine or cause to be examined all applications and plans for permits within a reasonable time after filing. If the application or plans and specifications do not conform to the requirements of all pertinent laws, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the code official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this article and all laws applicable thereto, the code official shall issue a fire alarm permit.
F. 
Compliance with code. The fire alarm permit shall be a license to proceed with the work as approved by a code official and shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of this article except as specifically stipulated by modification approved in writing by the Director of Licenses and Inspection.
A. 
License required to install, test, inspect, repair, monitor and maintain fire alarm systems. All individuals, partnerships, corporations, or other entities engaged in the selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, monitoring, altering, replacing, moving or installing any fire alarm system, or causing to be sold, leased, maintained, serviced, repaired, altered, extended, replaced, moved or installed any fire alarm system in or on any building or structure shall make application on a designated form(s) and obtain a valid fire alarm contractor's license from the Department of Licenses and Inspection.
(1) 
Exception one. This does not include a person or firm who engages in the manufacture or sale of an alarm system from a fixed location and who neither visits the location where the alarm system is to be installed, nor designs the scheme for physical location and installation of the alarm system in a specific location. This exception only applies to one- and two-family dwellings.
(2) 
Exception two. Homeowners of one- or two-family dwellings who perform their own installation of a low-voltage fire alarm system which does not transmit to a central station, or 110-volt fire alarm systems within their dwelling unit, are exempt from the licensing requirements; however, residential fire alarm permits and inspections are required from Upper Darby Township.
(3) 
Exception three. Electrical contractors installing 110-volt smoke detection systems in residential dwellings are exempt from the licensing requirements; however, residential fire alarm permits and inspections are required from Upper Darby Township.
B. 
License fee. Any person making application for a fire alarm contractor license shall pay an annual fee determined by Township Council and included in the Upper Darby Township fee schedule. Fees shall be effective from January 1 through the following December 31. Licensing fees shall not be prorated throughout the year. Fees are not refundable should the license be revoked.
C. 
Qualifications of fire alarm contractors for central station service.
(1) 
Any person(s) making application for a fire alarm contractor's license shall demonstrate to the Director of Licenses and Inspection:
(a) 
A knowledge of and proficiency in fire alarm systems, devices and code standards which govern the application, design, installation, testing, repair, maintenance, and operation of fire alarm systems; and
(b) 
Other than fire alarm contractors who install fire alarm systems exclusively in one-family and two-family dwelling occupancies, that they are a fire alarm contractor listed by an established and nationally recognized organization (such as UL or FM), which approves the qualifications of fire alarm service contractors for central station service.
(2) 
Upon successful demonstration of all of the above and payment of applicable fees, a license shall be issued by the Director of Licenses and Inspection.
(3) 
Exception. Fire alarm companies or individuals who install fire alarm systems exclusively in one- and two-family dwellings and which transmit fire alarm signals off site are not required to be listed for central station service. Such fire alarm systems shall be monitored by a UL or FM listed central station. An installing fire alarm company or individual shall complete and sign the Upper Darby Township affidavit stating that it or he installs systems only in one- or two-family dwellings.
D. 
Township right to suspend or revoke license. The Director of Licenses and Inspection shall have the right to suspend or revoke a fire alarm contractor's license for cause. Cause for revocation shall include but not be limited to selling and/or installing or maintaining fire alarm systems or devices without obtaining permits, approvals/inspections as required; installing unapproved materials or devices; repeated violations of Upper Darby Township codes and ordinances.
E. 
Right to appeal. Any person(s) having a license suspended, revoked, or denied by the Director of Licenses and Inspection shall have the right to file an appeal to the Upper Darby Township Board of Appeals. Any appeal must be based on a claim that the Director of Licenses and Inspection did not use factual information to show cause for revoking or denying the fire alarm contractor's license. Any person who desires to file an appeal shall do so on a form supplied by the Department of Licenses and Inspection within 30 days of receipt of a notice of violation or of any decision by the Director of Licenses and Inspection or their designee.
A. 
When required. All occupancies, other than single- or two-family dwellings, installing a fire alarm system, having an electronic or radio connection to a central station, shall install an approved Knox-Box® for the premises being protected. Knox-Boxes® shall be approved by the Director of Licenses and Inspection and/or the Upper Darby Township Fire Chief.
B. 
Existing installations. Existing facilities with a fire alarm system shall install a Knox-Box®.
C. 
Where installed. The Knox-Box® shall be installed as follows:
(1) 
At a location approved by the Director of Licenses and Inspection and/or the Upper Darby Township Fire Chief or their designee;
(2) 
At a height approximately six feet above grade; and
(3) 
To the right side of the main entrance door(s) facing the public roadway.
D. 
Premises keys. Keys that provide immediate access to the premises and to fire-protection-related equipment shall be identified as to the door they operate and secured in the Knox-Box® within two days of new Knox-Box® installations. The Knox-Box® must contain two sets of keys for every door. Keys shall be inspected periodically by the owner/occupant of the premises to ensure that keys operate all doors necessary for the Upper Darby Fire Department to access the building. The property owner or authorized agent shall be responsible for maintaining two sets of keys in the Knox-Box® which are capable of unlocking entrance, exterior and interior doors in the building(s) and/or tenant space(s).
A. 
Fire alarm activation. The responsibility for a fire alarm activation shall be that of the owner/occupant for whom a fire alarm system is installed. A response to an alarm activation shall result when any member of the Upper Darby Fire Department shall be dispatched to the premises where the alarm has been activated or learns of the activation of the alarm system(s), by any means whatsoever, and responds thereto by traveling to that premises. After responding to an alarm activation, the Fire Chief or their designee shall notify the responsible party through Delaware County Communications regarding the activation of the alarm system, and such person shall thereupon travel to the premises to ascertain the status thereof. Failure of the responsible person(s) to appear at said premises within 30 minutes, after being notified to do so, shall constitute a violation, and may result in forcible entry by the Upper Darby Fire Department and Upper Darby Township Police Department personnel. The owner shall bear the cost of repair for any damage incurred during entry and any costs associated with securing the premises to prevent unauthorized entry. The Fire Chief or their designee shall serve the owner, authorized representative, or occupant a fire alarm activation report. In a no-response situation by the responsible party, the Fire Chief or their designee shall forward the report to the Director of Licenses and Inspection for action.
B. 
Fire alarm activation report. In the event of a fire alarm activation the owner, authorized representative or occupant shall be served a fire alarm activation report by the Fire Chief, or their designee, describing the probable cause of the alarm. The owner, authorized agent or occupant shall sign and return the completed affidavit of service/repair within 15 business days of the said fire alarm activation which can verify to the satisfaction of the Director of Licenses and Inspection that the fire alarm system in question has actually been inspected by a licensed fire alarm service company and that a good faith attempt has been made to identify and correct any defect of design, installation or operation of the fire alarm system which was described as the cause of the fire alarm malfunction. Failure to return an affidavit of service/repair within the said fifteen-day period that is satisfactory to the Director of Licenses and Inspection shall constitute a violation.
C. 
Service of fire alarm activation report and affidavit of service/repair. Service of written notice of fire alarm activation report and affidavit of service/repair shall be accomplished by delivering a copy in person to the responsible party or any agent of the owner or responsible party at the premises or by posting a copy in a conspicuous place at the main entrance door.
A. 
Notice of violation. Whenever a code official observes an apparent or actual violation of a provision of this article, the code official shall prepare a written notice of violation describing the condition which requires corrective action. The notice shall specify the violation and time limitations for the required repairs or improvements to be made to the fire alarm system. Failure to comply with the provisions of the notice of violation shall subject the violator to the penalties herein.
B. 
Service of notice. The written notice of violation of this article shall be served upon the owner, the occupant, an agent of the owner or occupant or any other person responsible for the conditions under violation. Such notice of violation shall be served either by certified mail to the last known post office address, delivered in person, or by delivering it to and leaving it in the possession of any person in charge of or responding to the premises on behalf of the responsible party. Posting a copy in a conspicuous place at the main entrance door shall be deemed the equivalent of personal delivery.
C. 
Legal action. Nothing herein shall prevent the Director of Licenses and Inspection from filing a civil complaint or a nontraffic citation against a party without issuing a notice of violation where circumstances require prompt action because of a threat to health, safety and welfare or where a fire alarm system is taken out of service or offline without notice to the applicable central station.
D. 
Tampering with systems. Any person(s) who tampers with or interferes with the effectiveness of any fire alarm system or related component shall be in violation of this article.
E. 
Penalty for violations.
(1) 
Any person(s), firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this article or failing to comply with any order issued pursuant to any section thereof shall, upon being found guilty of a civil offense, be liable for a fine of not less than $100 or not more than $1,000. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
(2) 
A false alarm shall not be a violation of this article, but the owner shall be responsible for paying a response fee as set forth below. No response fee shall be assessed for the first two false fire alarms at the same premises responded to by the Upper Darby Fire Department during each month. Thereafter, the fees shall be paid by the owner for each false fire alarm responded to by the Upper Darby Fire Department at the same premises during the calendar year according to the fee schedule set by the Upper Darby Township Council.
(3) 
On a quarterly basis, the false fire alarms and/or alarm malfunctions response fee shall be.
[Amended 3-16-2022 by Ord. No. 3113]
First false alarm
No fee, warning from Fire Chief or his/her designee
Second false alarm
No fee, second warning from Fire Chief or his/her designee
Third and subsequent false alarm
$500 response fee
(4) 
Failure to pay any fee as prescribed herein shall constitute a violation.
[Added 3-16-2022 by Ord. No. 3113]
F. 
Dispatch prior to verification. It shall be a violation of this article for any central station monitoring company or its employees to verify any fire alarm signal received prior to dispatching the Upper Darby Fire Department. This provision does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings.
G. 
Alarm reset. Once an automatic fire alarm has initiated and caused the response by Upper Darby Fire Department, it shall be unlawful for any person(s) to reset the alarm panel until the authorization of the Fire Chief or their designee has been obtained.
H. 
Fines collected. All fines and fees collected under this article shall be deposited into the Upper Darby Township General Fund.
Should any fee assessed pursuant to this article remain unpaid in excess of 90 days from the date the charge is billed, the owner shall also be responsible for any collection costs, including attorneys' fees, incurred by Upper Darby Township.