For the purposes of this chapter, certain words and phrases shall be construed herein as set forth in this section, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:
A. 
“Audible alarm”
means a device designed for the detection of unauthorized entry onto premises which generates an audible sound on the premises when it is activated.
B. 
“Burglary and robbery alarm system”
means any mechanical or electrical device that is designed or used for detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure, or facility, or both, and that emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, silent alarms, audible alarms and proprietor alarms in guard shacks. Not included in this definition are auxiliary devices installed by the telephone company to protect telephone company systems which might be damaged or disrupted by use of an alarm system.
C. 
“False alarm”
means an alarm signal activated through subscriber negligence or for reasons not of an emergency nature or when activated due to malfunction of any segment of the alarm system and which necessitates response by the police department where an emergency does not exist.
D. 
“Proprietor alarm”
means an alarm system which does not request public response when activated or is not reasonably expected to result in some public response.
E. 
“Silent alarm”
means a device designed for the detection of unauthorized entry on premises which does not generate an audible sound on the premises when it is activated but transmits a signal directly to the alarm company.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
A. 
Every person maintaining an audible alarm shall provide the chief of police with a current list of the names and telephone numbers of the persons to be notified to render repairs or service and secure the premises during any hour of the day or night that the alarm system is activated. It is the responsibility of every person maintaining an alarm system to assure that the names and telephone numbers recorded with the police department are kept current.
B. 
No person shall install an audible alarm system which creates a sound similar to that of an emergency vehicle siren or a civil disaster warning system.
C. 
No person shall install an audible alarm system which does not automatically discontinue emitting an audible sound within one-half hour after it is activated.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
No person shall install or maintain a telephone device that automatically connects to the police department or the police communications center.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
A. 
The response to false alarms is an unjustified expense to the taxpayers and should properly be borne by the person or firm responsible for initiating the false alarm.
B. 
Charges shall be made for each false alarm response by the police department. Charges for false alarms shall be set by resolution.
C. 
Exceptions. False alarms generated by testing or repair of equipment or lines will not be charged for under this chapter, providing the alarm company notifies the police department in advance of work or testing to be performed on the alarm system.
D. 
Responsibility for Payment of Charges. The license of the business or resident of the property for which the false alarm is turned in to the police department shall be responsible for payment of the charges.
E. 
Failure to Pay. Failure to pay the charges set out in this section, within thirty days from date of billing by the city, shall cause discontinuance of burglar alarm response to the premises for which the delinquent billing was made. Police response may be reinstituted when it has been determined that the false alarm fee has been paid and that there has been a material change in circumstances that would preclude a similar incident from occurring.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 570 § 1, 1993; Ord. 576 § 1, 1994; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
A person shall not knowingly turn in a false alarm. This section does not prohibit a test of an alarm system as permitted in advance by the chief of police. Activation of audible alarm systems for twenty seconds or less shall not be considered a false alarm.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
After any false alarm caused by a malfunction of the alarm system, an alarm system permittee shall cause the alarm system to be repaired so as to eliminate such malfunction before reactivating the alarm. A person shall not reactivate such alarm until such repairs have been made.
(Ord. 346 § 1, 1979; Ord. 701 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)