a. The purpose of this article is to:
1. Encourage alarm users and alarm companies to properly maintain the operational effectiveness and proper utilization of alarm systems intended to summon the fire department; and,
2. Protect the emergency services of the city by reducing or eliminating false alarms or preventable alarms which may unduly divert fire department personnel from responding to active EMS calls, structure fires, vehicle fires, or any other calls that require the response and services provided by the fire department; and,
3. Defray the costs of administering this article through alarm permit fees and false alarm charges.
b. The provisions of this article shall apply only to alarm systems intended to summon the fire department and which:
1. Send an alarm signal or alarm message directly to the public safety answering point; or
2. Send an alarm signal or alarm message to a location where the alarm system is monitored and an alarm signal or alarm message is relayed to the public safety answering point; or
3. Emits an audible or visual alarm signal that can be heard or seen on the exterior of the premises.
c. An alarm user required by federal or state statute, regulation or rule, to install, maintain and operate an alarm system is subject to this article and payment of the same fees and fines.
d. An alarm user that is governmental unit or taxing entity shall not be subject to the payment of any fees or fines imposed under this article, but each governmental unit and taxing entity shall be required to obtain an alarm permit and otherwise comply with this article.