For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section.
ALARM SITE. A premise served by an alarm system or CATV alarm system.
ALARM SYSTEM. A device or system that transmits a signal intended to summon emergency services of the city. Categories of alarm systems include robbery, burglary, fire, and emergency assistance. This term encompasses alarms that emit an audible signal on the exterior of a structure but excludes alarms installed on vehicles (unless the vehicle is used for habitation at a permanent site) and alarms designed solely to alert the inhabitants within the premises. However, it includes local alarms as defined herein.
ALARM SYSTEM COMPANY. Any person or company that sells, installs, services, monitors, or responds to burglar alarm signal devices, burglar alarms, television cameras, still cameras, or any other electronic device used for the prevention or detection of burglary, theft, shoplifting, pilferage, intrusion, or to summon aid for other emergencies. This includes persons relaying alarm notifications.
APPEAL HEARING OFFICIAL. The Mayor, City Administrator, or their designee in the city.
BURGLAR ALARM NOTIFICATION. A notification intended to summon the Department of Public Safety, initiated or triggered by an alarm system designed to detect unauthorized intrusion or attempted unauthorized intrusion.
CATV ALARM SYSTEM. A device or system that transmits or relays a signal via community antenna television cable, directly or indirectly intended to summon emergency services of the city.
CITY. The City of Ferris, Texas, and includes any emergency services agency or department serving the city, including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Safety and the Volunteer Fire Department.
COMMERCIAL UNIT. Any business establishment within the city.
DIRECTOR. The Director of the Department of Public Safety of the city, or their authorized representative.
FALSE ALARM. Considered to have occurred if a response is made by the city within 30 minutes of the alarm notification, and the city determines from an inspection of the interior and exterior of the premises that the alarm was false.
FALSE BURGLAR ALARM NOTIFICATION. A burglar alarm notification to the Department of Public Safety when the responding officer finds no evidence of unauthorized intrusion or attempted unauthorized intrusion.
FALSE FIRE ALARM NOTIFICATION. A fire alarm notification to the Fire Department when the responding Fire Department finds no evidence of a fire.
FALSE ROBBERY ALARM NOTIFICATION. A robbery alarm notification to the Department of Public Safety when the responding officer finds no evidence of a robbery or attempted robbery.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION. An institution required to have an alarm system by the provisions of the Bank Protection Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. § 1882, as amended).
GOVERNMENTAL UNIT. Any agency of the federal or state government or a political subdivision of the state, including the City of Ferris, Texas.
LOCAL ALARM. Any alarm system, other than an alarm system monitored by an alarm system company, that results in notification to and response by members of the Department of Public Safety due to activation of audio and/or visual signaling devices.
PANEL ALARM. An alarm that is directly monitored by the public safety communications section of the Department of Public Safety.
PERMIT. A certificate, license, permit, or other form of permission that authorizes a person to engage in an action related to alarm systems within the city.
PERMIT HOLDER. The person who has received an alarm permit and is directly responsible for the management and control of the alarm site. In any multiple-family dwelling unit (more than four dwelling units per building), the permit holder shall be the owner of the premises or their representative.
(Ord. O-24-995, passed 3-20-2024)