For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any assembly of equipment or devices, either mechanically or electrically operated, which signals, either audibly or in any other manner so as to be seen, heard, or otherwise detected inside or outside the protected area serviced by the alarm system, that an incident is occurring which could reasonably be expected to summon police or fire services. ALARM SYSTEM does not include systems affixed to motor vehicles, trailers or recreational motor vehicles unless the vehicle is permanently located at a site.
ALARM USER. The person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind which uses an alarm system to protect its premises, regardless of whether it owns or leases the system.
AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICE. A device which utilizes the public primary telephone trunk lines or other dedicated lines to select a predetermined or assigned telephone number and which transmits, by a pre-recorded voice message or code signal, that an incident of the kind noted in the definitions of “Alarms System” has occurred.
FALSE ALARM. Any activation of an alarm system that results in a response by police or fire personnel where an emergency does not exist. FALSE ALARM includes, but is not limited to, activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or the negligent use or maintenance of the alarm system by the alarm user or the alarm user's employee or agents. FALSE ALARM does not include alarm activations caused by utility company power outages, by climatic conditions such as unusually strong winds or lightning, or by any other conditions that are clearly beyond the control of the alarm manufacturer, installer, and user. FALSE ALARM does not include activation of an alarm system as the result of an effort or order to upgrade, install, test, or maintain the system if the police and/or fire departments and, where applicable, the central monitoring agency for the alarm system are each notified before such work on the alarm system.
('72 Code, § 1025:00) (Ord. 1994-752, passed 1-10-94)