For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM MONITORING SERVICE. A business providing the function of receiving on a continuous basis, through trained employees, emergency signals from alarm systems and, thereafter, relaying a message by line voice to the Fire Department.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any device, whether mechanical, electrical or otherwise, which creates, produces, generates or relays any sound signal or message, whether audible or not, in order to detect any fire or other emergency which summons the Fire Department.
ALARM USER. The person, firm, corporation or entity of any kind in control of any building, structure or facility that purchases, leases, contracts for or otherwise contains an alarm system other than a burglar or holdup alarm system.
ANNUNCIATOR. The part of an employee system that communicates the fact that the system has been triggered or activated.
AUDIBLE OR VISUAL ANNUNCIATOR. An annunciator which gives alarm by means of a bell, siren, buzzer, flashing light or similar sound- or light-producing device when activated, which is mounted at some location which is clearly visible when observed or clearly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more outside of any building in which it is mounted. ANNUNCIATORS can communicate directly with the Fire Department or indirectly through the use of an alarm monitoring service or remote monitoring point.
FALSE ALARM. An occasion that has resulted in a response by the Fire Department to the activation of any alarm system because of malfunction, mechanical or electrical defect, improper installation or improper operation or procedure by any person and no actual fire or other emergency occurred requiring an immediate or emergency response by Fire Department personnel. The term FALSE ALARM does not include an alarm system activated as a result of: any malfunction of equipment owned or operated by the telephone company or resulting from the authorized servicing, testing, maintenance, adjustments, alterations or installations of such alarm system; a power outage; or utility construction; provided that, the respective permittee or authorized agent thereof notified the Chief of the Fire Department prior to commencement of any of such activities. The term FALSE ALARM does not include an alarm signal caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by the alarm user. The term FALSE ALARM does not include activation of an alarm system caused by an unauthorized activation in a public building of an alarm required by law to be located in an area open to the public or students of an educational institution; provided, such alarm system is in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations. The burden of proving that such alarm was not a FALSE ALARM shall be on the alarm user.
FIRE CHIEF. The Chief of the city’s Fire Department or any person designated by him or her and authorized to administer this subchapter.
(2013 Code, § 12-96) (Ord. 14253, passed 4-27-1987)