(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) ALARM SYSTEM. Any assembly of equipment, mechanical or electrical, arranged to signal the occurrence of any emergency at a protected premises to which the police or fire department are expected to respond.
(2) FALSE ALARM. An alarm system activated, in the absence of an emergency, by any mechanical or electrical malfunction of the alarm system, due to a failure of the property owner to provide proper maintenance of the alarm system and to which the Department of Police or Fire is alerted for a response. A false alarm shall not include an alarm activated by testing or repairing of telephone or electrical lines or equipment outside the premises if prior notice of the testing or repair is given to the Department of Police or Fire; unusually violent conditions of nature; an illegal entry, theft or robbery, or an attempt thereof; or an observable act of vandalism, where evidence of such activity exists. Also, a false alarm shall not include an alarm to the Police Department that is canceled by an alarm monitoring service, prior to arrival of the police.
(B) Fire alarm installer. The fire alarm installer shall be registered with the State of Illinois pursuant to the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm and Private Security Act of 1983.
(C) False alarm prohibited. It is unlawful for any alarm user to control or possess an alarm system that generates, transmits or issues a false alarm as defined in this section, on three separate occasions within any one 90-day period.
(Ord. 20-0512-211, passed 5-12-2020) Penalty, see § 35.99