For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(a) "Alarm system." Any assembly of equipment and devices which signals, so as to be seen or heard outside the protected building or space, the presence of robbery, burglary, vandalism or unauthorized intrusion and includes an interconnected "alarm system" as well as an automatic dialing device.
(b) "Appropriate authority." The Director of Public Safety of the city.
(c) "Automatic dialing device." A device which is interconnected to a telephone line and which is programmed to select a predetermined telephone number and transmit by voice, message or code signal an emergency message indicating a need for emergency response.
(d) "Chargeable false alarm." An alarm message or signal intentionally or recklessly initiated and transmitted, either automatically or manually, through an alarm system to the city, eliciting response by police when robbery, burglary, vandalism or unauthorized intrusion does not, in fact, exist. This does not include an alarm signal caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms or other catastrophic acts of God not reasonably subject to control by the alarm manufacturer, installer or owner.
(e) "False alarm." An alarm signal or message initiated and transmitted, either automatically or manually, through an alarm system, to the city, eliciting response by police when robbery, burglary, vandalism or unauthorized intrusion does not, in fact, exist. This does not include an alarm signal caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms or other catastrophic acts of God not reasonably subject to control by the alarm manufacturer, installer or owner.
(f) "Interconnected alarm system." An alarm system which, directly or indirectly, automatically or manually, uses a telephone line or cable line to transmit an alarm or message upon activation of the alarm system.
(g) "Local alarm system." An alarm system that, when activated, only sounds a horn, bell, buzzer or other type of audible or visible alarm that is designed to be audible or visible beyond the premises being served, but which does not result in the transmission of a signal to any other location.
(Ord. 29-84, passed 12-3-1984)