727.03 AUDIBLE ALARMS.

   (a)   On and after the effective date of this chapter, owners or users of externally mounted or attached audible burglary alarms must equip such audible alarms with a timing mechanism that will disengage the audible alarm after a maximum of ten minutes. In addition, no audible alarm shall have an intensity that exceeds 120 decibels. Audible burglary alarms without such a timing mechanism shall be unlawful in the City of Orrville, and must be disconnected by the owner or user within sixty days from the effective date of this chapter.

   (b)   This section only applies to burglary alarms, which when activated sound a horn, bell, buzzer, or other type of audible alarm beyond the unoccupied premises being serviced.

   (c)   Any business, corporation, or residence that already has such an alarm installed shall provide a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons who will respond to reset such alarm. This list must be kept current and correct by the permit holder.

   (d)   On and after the effective date of this chapter, outside external audible alarms in residentially zoned areas are hereby prohibited.

   (e)   The police shall be authorized to disable any alarm system, with as minimal damage as possible to the alarm system, if such system is not authorized by a permit, or if such system is authorized by permit but the authorized persons fail to properly respond to reset the alarm.

   (f)   A battery powered (9 volt, 11.2 volt, or similar voltage) audible alarm system whose sole purpose is to notify the occupants at that location of an emergency situation shall be exempt for the permit requirements of this chapter if all of the following conditions exist.

      (1)   The alarm is not connected to any mechanical or electrical device that automatically notifies a person or agency outside of that location that the alarm is activated.

      (2)   The audible alarm does not sound outside of the location (no external speakers or enunciators.

      (3)   The internal signal emitted by the audible alarm does not exceed 90 decibels.

      (4)   The internal alarm does not cause undue annoyance or alarm to occupants of adjoining premises.

   (g)   Alarm users who are exempt from obtaining an alarm user’s permit shall be subject to the penalty provisions prescribed in this chapter.
(Ord. 21-97. Passed 11-5-97.)