When used in this Chapter:
Alarm business means any business which alters, installs, leases, maintains, monitors, repairs, replaces, sells at retail, services, or responds to an alarm system.
Alarm signal means the activation of an alarm system.
Alarm system means any mechanical or electrical equipment arranged to signal an unauthorized entry or other illegal activity. Alarm system includes devices activated automatically, such as burglar alarms, and devices activated manually, such as hold up alarms. Alarm system does not include telephone lines maintained and operated by public utilities under the regulation of the public service commission over which such signals might be transmitted, or alarm systems installed in motor vehicles, boats, or aircraft.
Alarm user means:
(a) the owner or lessor of any alarm system;
(b) the occupant of any dwelling unit with an alarm system; and
(c) each tenant that uses an alarm system in a multi-tenant building.
Enforcing agency means:
(a) the Police Department; or
(b) any other agency of County government that the Chief Administrative Officer assigns to enforce this Chapter; or
(c) in any municipality in which this Chapter applies, an agency designated by the municipality to enforce this Chapter.
False alarm means any alarm signal:
(a) that elicits a response by police personnel; and
(b) for which there is no evidence of criminal activity to justify a police response.
License means a license issued to an alarm business by the enforcing agency.
Nonresidential alarm user means any alarm user that is not a residential alarm user.
Residential alarm user means the occupant of any dwelling unit with an alarm system.
(1983, L.M.C., ch. 19, §1; 1989 L.M.C., ch. 6, §1; 1993 L.M.C., ch. 14, §1; 1997 L.M.C., ch. 29, §1.)