For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
FALSE ALARMS. The activation of any mechanical, burglary, robbery, security or fire alarm system for the purpose of summoning police and/or fire personnel, or which causes one or more police or fire personnel to be dispatched or summoned to a particular location within the city, when, in fact, no crime, fire or other emergency has, or is being attempted or committed, on the premises.
PREVENTABLE FALSE ALARM. The careless activation of any police security or fire alarm by any individual, or activation of any police security or fire alarm system proximately caused by the failure of the owner, lessee, operator or occupant, or their contractor or agent, to properly design, install or reasonably maintain the security or alarm system in a safe operating condition. Police security or fire alarms shall not be deemed a PREVENTABLE FALSE ALARM in violation of this chapter if it is determined by the Chief of Police, Chief of the Fire Department, or their designees, that the alarm was caused by:
(1) A act of vandalism causing physical damage to the premises;
(2) Alarms occurring during electrical storms, tornadoes, blizzards or other acts of God where there is evidence of damage or disruption to the alarm system;
(3) Electrical power or telephone circuit disruption beyond the control of the alarm company and/or user; or
(4) Any and all other acts or omission by persons, or events beyond the reasonable control of the owner, lessee, operator or occupant of the premises and the security alarm system.
(Prior Code, § 132.01) (Ord. 13-2002, passed 8-5-2002)