[1]
Cross References: As to building codes and building regulations, Ch. 500; as to licenses and business regulations, Ch. 605.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.680; CC 1989 § 6-111; Ord. No. 826 § 1(213.01), 11-24-1980]
For the purpose of this Article, the following definitions shall apply:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed to be actuated manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized entry, intrusion or other emergency in or on any buildings, structure, facility or premises through the emission of a sound or transmission of a signal or message.
ALARM USER
A person who uses an alarm system to protect any buildings, structures, facilities or premises.
AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICE
An alarm system that automatically dials a specific telephone number and transmits an emergency message by a recording over regular telephone lines when actuated.
DIRECT SIGNAL ALARM SYSTEM
An alarm system which provides for a special telephone line that is directly connected to a Police Department and has an outlet at the Police Department which emits a sound or transmits a signal or both when activated.
FALSE ALARM
An activation of an alarm system intentionally or by inadvertence, negligence or unintentional act to which the City Police Department responds, including activation caused by the malfunction of the alarm system, except that the following shall not be considered false alarms:
1. 
When an alarm has been caused by the malfunction of the indicator at the Police Department;
2. 
When an alarm has been caused by damage, testing or repair of telephone equipment or lines by the telephone company, provided that such incidents are promptly reported to the telephone company;
3. 
When an alarm is caused by an attempted and unauthorized or illegal entry, of which there is visible evidence;
4. 
When an alarm is followed by a call to the Police Department canceling the alarm by giving proper information, prior to the arrival of the Police Department at the source of the alarm;
5. 
When an alarm has been caused by a malfunction of electrical power beyond the control of the alarm user.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.690; CC 1989 § 6-112; Ord. No. 826 § 1(213.02), 11-24-1980]
A. 
All false alarms to which the Police Department responds shall result in the following charge to the alarm user:
1. 
A warning for the first false alarm in any calendar year;
2. 
A fifteen dollars ($15.00) service charge for the second false alarm in any calendar year;
3. 
A twenty dollars ($20.00) service charge for the third false alarm in any calendar year;
4. 
A twenty-five dollars ($25.00) service charge for the fourth or any subsequent false alarm in any calendar year.
B. 
Upon determination by the Police Department that a false alarm has occurred, the Police Department shall send a notice to the alarm user notifying the alarm user of the determination and directing payment within ten (10) days of any service charge that may be due.
C. 
The Police Department shall cancel any notice or service charge upon satisfactory proof by the alarm user that a particular alarm falls within the exceptions enumerated in Section 210.680.
D. 
Refusal to pay any such service charge within ten (10) days of such notice shall constitute a violation of this Section.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.700; CC 1989 § 6-113; Ord. No. 826 § 1 (213.03), 11-24-1980]
No person shall install or use an automatic dialing device which is programmed to dial any telephone number of any public or quasi-public body, including "911", for the purpose of obtaining emergency service.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.710; CC 1989 § 6-114; Ord. No. 826 § 1(213.04), 11-24-1980]
No person shall install or use an audible alarm which is equipped with an exterior sound-producing device such as a gong, buzzer, siren, bell or horn unless the same shall be equipped with a fifteen (15) minute timer.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.720; CC 1989 § 6-115; Ord. No. 826 § 1(213.05), 11-24-1980]
Any person who installs, maintains, sells, leases, services, repairs, alters, replaces, moves or installs any alarm system or causes the same to be sold, leased, maintained, serviced, repaired, altered, replaced, moved or installed in or on any building, structure, facility or premises shall be properly licensed under the ordinances of the County as the same pertains to the licensing and regulation for the installation of and use of alarm systems.
[R.O. 2012 § 210.730; CC 1989 § 6-116; Ord. No. 826 § 1(213.06), 11-24-1980]
Any alarm user shall register such alarm system with the Police Department of the City within one (1) week after installation. No charge for any false alarm shall be made during the first two (2) weeks after the registration of such alarm.