For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM. An assembly of equipment and devices, or a single device, except for an alarm system on a motor vehicle, arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention to which Police and/or Fire Departments are expected to respond.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system causing a sound or visual signal through mechanical failure, faulty equipment, malfunction, improper installations or the negligence or improper or mistaken use by the owner or lessee of an alarm system or of his or her employees or agents which shall be established when there is no evidence of criminal activity, or illegal entry or an attempt thereof, fire or need for medical attention upon the activation of the alarm system with the following exceptions:
(1) Severe storm conditions;
(2) Alarm system malfunction, if corrective measures have been taken or installed within five days thereafter, and a copy of a repair order by a licensed alarm system contractor is provided within 30 days of the false alarm except as follows: no penalty shall be imposed for three alarm system malfunctions in a calendar year. However, more than three shall be considered false alarms, and the following penalties of § 94.999 shall apply as follows: the fourth malfunction shall trigger a higher penalty; the fifth malfunction shall trigger a higher penalty, and the sixth malfunction shall trigger a higher penalty;
(3) False alarms that can be substantiated as being activated by disruption or disturbance of the telephone company facilities;
(4) Utility pole accidents;
(5) A testing of the alarm system when prior notification has been received by the Police Department and/or Fire Department; and
(6) Where the Fire Chief or his or her designee has waived the fee the because there has been a request for waiver due to documented extenuating circumstances.
SUBSCRIBER. Includes, but is not limited to, any public service, utility, Fire Department or police agency.
TELEPHONE NUMBER. Includes any additional numbers assigned by a public utility company, engaged in the business of providing communication services and facilities to be used by means of a rotary or other systems to connect when the primary telephone number is in use.
(Ord. 487, passed 11-6-2002)