For the purpose of this division, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM. A fire detection system, intrusion or holdup device designed or arranged to signal the presence of any fire hazard, intrusion or holdup of any residential, commercial or business property. Excluded from this definition are single-family residence battery-operated smoke or heat detectors.
ALARM USER. Any person on whose premises an alarm system is maintained except for alarm systems on motor vehicles. If, however, an alarm system on a motor vehicle is connected with an alarm system at a premises, the person using such system is an alarm user. Also excluded from this definition and from the coverage of this division are persons who use alarm systems to alert or signal persons within the premises in which the alarm system is located; however, systems using a flashing light or beacon designed to signal persons outside the premises shall be within the definition of an alarm system and shall be subject to this division.
ASSESSABLE COSTS. Those charges and fees incurred by the city as a result of assistance provided by the Police or Fire Department or by a third party on behalf of the city in connection with a Fire Department response to an incident including, but not limited to, the actual labor and material costs (including without limitation, employee wages, fringe benefits, administrative overhead, costs of equipment, costs of equipment operation, costs of materials, costs of transportation, costs of material disposal, and costs of contracted labor, legal fees, collection costs, and the like) provided.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE. The following actions or services provided by the city, or by a private individual or corporation operating at the request or direction of the city:
(1) Extinguishing or fighting any fire occurring on or at a structure, vehicle, or any other fire occurring on public or private property;
(2) Any incident requiring a response by the city that involves any public or private utility property and requires city equipment or personnel to remain at the incident to protect health, safety, and welfare of the public until the utility provider responds to the incident and takes corrective measures, lasting greater than one hour;
(3) The extrication of an individual(s) from a vehicle involved in an accident;
(4) Extinguishing or fighting any vehicle fire; and/or
(5) Any response to a false alarm at a property in excess of once in a calendar year. This includes, but is not limited to: fire, medical, burglary, panic, hold-up, and other types of alarms.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, negligence or the intentional activation of the alarm system without reasonable and legitimate need or cause by the person or their employees and agents using an alarm system. False alarm does not include an alarm caused by meteorological or geological conditions or by disruption or disturbance of telephone or other communication systems.
PERSON RESPONSIBLE. The owner, operator, and/or person in charge of or person in possession of the structure, property or vehicle to which the emergency response is directed, including any private
contractor, such as alarm companies, requesting or initiating such a response. This also includes the person or persons who require rescue of a technical nature, and/or who cause extrication, rescue, or hazardous materials response to be needed.
VEHICLE. All motor vehicles (including but not limited to cars, trucks, semi tractors, motorcycles, and trailers), trains, aircraft, or watercraft.
(Ord. 2021-04, passed 6-7-2021)