For purposes of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, the following definitions shall apply:
“Alarm owner” means the person who owns, leases, rents, uses or makes available for use by his agents, employees, representatives or family, any alarm system.
“Alarm system” means any device, whether known as a burglary, robbery or intrusion alarm, direct-dial telephone device, audible or silent alarm or by any other name, which is used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or to signal the commission of an unlawful act. “Alarm system” includes those devices known as “proprietary alarm systems” which emit a signal within the protected premises only and are supervised by the proprietor of the premises where located. “Alarm system” does not include auxiliary devices installed by a telephone company to protect telephone company systems which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.
“Audible alarm” means a device designed to notify persons in the immediate vicinity of the protected premises by emission of an audible sound of an unauthorized entry on the premises or of the commission of an unlawful act.
“Direct-dial device” means a device which is connected to a telephone line and upon activation of an alarm system, automatically dials a predetermined telephone number and transmits a message or signal indicating a need for emergency response.
“False alarm” means an alarm signal activated by causes other than the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful act which the alarm system is designed to detect. An alarm signal activated by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not subject to the control of the alarm owner does not constitute a false alarm.
(Ord. 790 § 21 (part), 1999)