For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SITE. A single premises or location, or a multi-tenant location, served by an alarm system or systems.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any mechanical, electrical, or radio-controlled device or system which is designed to emit, transmit, or relay a signal or message and which, when activated, is intended to summon, or that would reasonably be expected to summon, police, fire, or emergency medical services. An ALARM SYSTEM does not include:
(1) An alarm installed on a vehicle, unless the vehicle is permanently located at a site; or
(2) An alarm designed to alert only inhabitants of a premises, and which does not constitute a local alarm.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system signal or message which elicits notification to and/or response by the Washington County Sheriff's Office when there is no evidence of a crime, fire, medical emergency, or other activity which warrants a call for immediate police, firefighting, or emergency medical assistance. This may include but is not limited to an alarm discovered by a police officer or firefighter before notification of an alarm from a monitor or from a local alarm system that is not monitored.
FIRE OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ALARM. A system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire or medical emergency or supervisory signal initiating devices which are intended to summon fire or emergency medical services of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
INTRUSION ALARM. A robbery, burglary, panic, or other alarm intended to summon the police, which is designed either to be initiated purposely by a person or by an alarm system that responds to a stimulus characteristic of unauthorized intrusion.
LOCAL ALARM. An alarm system that emits a signal at an alarm site that is audible or visible from the exterior of the structure.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. A fire that is less than 3 feet in diameter and burning wood or logs less than 3 inches in diameter. A RECREATIONAL FIRE is not intended for disposal of brush, garbage, or trash, and shall not require a permit.
(Am. Ord. 99-1505-7483, passed 2-16-1999)
UNAUTHORIZED FIRE. An unauthorized fire shall constitute the burning of materials without a permit under circumstances where the same does not constitute a recreational fire.
WARNING NOTICE. A notification provided to the owner or person in charge of an alarm site by the Washington County Sheriff's Office for alarms due to system malfunction or when no reason can be determined for the false alarm. The warning notice will require the alarm system be inspected and/or serviced within 5 working days with written documentation submitted to the Sheriff's Office that the system is in working order.
(Prior Code, § 1505.020) (Ord. 98-7481, passed 7-21-1998)