As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings as set forth herein:
(a) "Alarm business" means the business by an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity of selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, replacing, moving or installing any alarm system or causing to be sold, leased, maintained, serviced, repaired, altered, replaced, moved or installed any alarm system in or on any building, structure or facility.
(b) "Alarm system" means any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility or for alerting others of the commission of any unlawful act within a building, structure or facility, or both; or for the detection of fire, which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when actuated. Alarm systems include but are not limited to direct dial telephone systems, audible alarms and proprietor alarms. Devices which are not designated or used to register alarms that are audible, visible or perceptible outside of the protected building, structure or facility are not include within this definition.
(c) "Alarm user" means any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind who owns or leases an alarm system as defined in subsection (b) hereof.
(d) "False alarm" means:
(1) The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or negligence of the alarm user or his employee or agent;
(2) Any signal transmitted requiring response by the Police and/or Fire Department, where there are no physical signs that an emergency existed.
Activations of an alarm system caused by power outages, acts of God or other circumstances beyond the control of the alarm user are excluded.
(e) "Police and Fire Departments" means the Police and Fire Departments of the City.
(f) "Issuing authority", in the case of burglar alarm systems, means the Chief of Police and in the case of fire alarm systems, means the Fire Chief.
(Ord. 87-33. Passed 7-6-87.)