For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM SYSTEM. An assembly of equipment and devices (or a single device, such as a solid state unit, which may operate from a 110-volt AC line) arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which Police or Fire Department personnel are expected to respond. This includes all burglar alarms, fire alarms, hold-up alarms and automatic telephone dialer alarms, except this does not include smoke detectors or alarms which do not signal outside an alarmed premise or alarm systems on motor vehicles.
ALARM USER. Any person, firm or corporation on whose premises any alarm system is maintained within the city.
AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE DIALING DEVICE. An alarm system which automatically sends over regular telephone lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a prerecorded voice message indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or the negligence of the owner or lessee of an alarm system or his employees or agents. The terminology does not include for example, alarms caused by hurricane, tornadoes, earthquakes or other normally infrequent violent conditions or acts of God. Excluded from this chapter are false alarms that are transmitted with a criminal, malicious or mischievous intent. The violations will be prosecuted under the applicable state statutes.
(1967 Code, § 2A-2) (Ord. passed 3-3-1983)