(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any device or piece of equipment or an assembly of equipment and/or devices designed or arranged to signal visibly, audibly, electronically, mechanically or by any combination of these methods, or by any similar or like method, the presence of a fire requiring urgent attention and to which the township’s Fire Department is expected, requested, or likely to respond. The term includes any system that can electronically cause an expected response by a fire services agency to a premises by means of the activation of an audible signal, visible signal, electronic notification, or video signal, or any combination of these signals, or any similar or like signal. The term ALARM SYSTEM shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following types of devices: “personal emergency response alarm,” “temperature fire alarm,” “manual fire alarm,” “fire alarm,” “automatic sprinkler,” and/or “water flow alarm.”
ALARM USER. Any person(s) or entity/entities, whether an owner, occupant, or tenant, whether residential or commercial properties, upon whose premises an alarm system is maintained or operated within the township, except for alarm systems on motor vehicles. This term also includes the person(s), partnership(s), corporation(s), company(s), or other entity/entities who requested the installation of the alarm system, or who has either an ownership interest in the premises, a leasehold interest, or who occupies the premises, or who has some dominion and control over the premises, where the alarm system is installed and operating. In the event the premises are owned or occupied by a partnership(s), corporation(s), or other entity/entities, each owner(s), officer(s), partner(s), or operator(s) shall be deemed to be an ALARM USER. For purposes of prosecuting violations of the penal provisions of this chapter, and for purposes of collecting fees incurred for false alarms, the person(s) or entity/entities whose name appears as being associated with the property protected by the alarm system on the most recent assessment roll and/or whose name appears in the township’s records, shall be presumed to be an ALARM USER.
CALENDAR YEAR. Dates that occur between January 1 and December 31 of each year.
CONTRACTOR. A person(s), firm(s), and/or entity/entities who/which have been contracted to perform building modifications, inspection, testing, and/or maintenance of life-safety systems.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system eliciting a response by the Township Fire Department (or such other fire department that may respond) which is not in response to actual or threatened danger to person(s) or damage to property. FALSE ALARM also means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, maintenance, or negligence of the alarm user or his/her employee(s), representative(s), guest(s), resident(s), invitee(s) and/or agent(s). This term also includes the activation of an alarm system causing a sound or visual signal through mechanical failure, faulty equipment, malfunction, improper installations, and/or lack of prudent maintenance, or the negligence of the alarm user or of his/her, or its employee(s), representative(s), guest(s), resident(s), invitee(s) and/or agent(s). A FALSE ALARM shall be presumed when an alarm is tested without prior written notice to the township, and when an investigation reveals no evidence of fire or potential fire, or need for medical attention, upon the activation of the alarm system, with the following exceptions: This does not include alarm activations caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by an alarm user.
MONITORING COMPANY. The firm charged with monitoring the fire alarm system.
PREMISES. Any private or public residential, commercial, or industrial land and/or buildings located within the township.
(B) Any term that is not specifically defined herein shall be given its plain and ordinary meaning. It shall be appropriate to refer to the dictionary definition of any term that is not specifically defined herein.
(Ord. 20-04, passed 10-19-2020)