(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to protect the public safety services of the city from misuse and to provide for efficient sendee to public safety alarm users.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM BUSINESS OR RESIDENCE. Any premises within the city utilizing an alarm system which, when activated, necessitates a public safety response.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any alarm installation system designed to be used for the prevention or detection of burglary, robbery, fire or any other type of emergency situation occurring on or at the alarm business or residence.
ALARM USER. The person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization of any kind who is in control of any building, structure or facility where an alarm system is maintained.
FALSE ALARM. An alarm signal eliciting a response by public safety personnel at an alarm business or residence when a situation requiring a response does not in fact exist, and which is caused by the activation of the alarm system through mechanical failure, alarm malfunctions, improper installation or the inadvertence of the owner or another. FALSE ALARMS do not include alarms caused by climactic conditions such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, utility line mishaps, violent conditions of nature or any other conditions that are clearly beyond the control of the alarm manufacturer, installer, owner or occupant. FALSE ALARMS do not include alarms occurring within the first 30 days of operation of a new alarm system.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER. The city facility used to receive emergency requests for service, usually resulting in the dispatching of a public safety response.
PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL. A duly authorized city public safety employee, including an independent contractor.
(C) False alarm fees.
(1) Number of responses. Alarm users may report up to three false alarms requiring a public safety response per 12-month period without charge. A false alarm fee shall be imposed for more than three false alarms, as established by City Council resolution.
(2) Appeal. An alarm user required by the city to pay a false alarm fee as the result of a false alarm, may make a written appeal to the Police Chief within ten days of receipt of notice by the city of the false alarm fee. The Police Chief has authority to make a final determination whether the appellant should be charged with a false alarm fee, based on the circumstances.
(3) Payment. Payment of security false alarm fees must be paid to the city. Payment of fire false alarm fees must be paid to the Fire Department.
(D) Alarm report. When a security alarm user has incurred a security false alarm to which the Police Department responded, the alarm user will be sent a false alarm report, which must be completed and returned to the Police Department within ten days after it was received. The report shall describe actions taken or to be taken to discover and eliminate the cause of the false alarm. Failure to return a written report will be considered a violation of this section.
(Ord. 13-01, passed 4-8-2013)