For the purpose of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the meanings given below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) “Alarm system” means any assembly of equipment, mechanical, audible or electrical, arranged to signal any fire or occurrence of an illegal entry, or other activity requiring urgent action and to which the Police or Fire Division is expected to respond, excluding alarms installed in motor vehicles or security devices carried on the person.
(b) “Alarm user” means any person, as hereinafter defined, using an alarm system or occupying and controlling any premises or building, or a portion of any premises where an alarm system is maintained, that lies within the jurisdiction of the City.
(c) “Automatic dialing device” means a device which is interconnected to a telephone line or cable line and 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) “False alarm” means the activation of an alarm, which results in a response by police, fire, or emergency medical services wherein it is determined that no fire, criminal offense or attempted criminal offense occurred at the location of the response. False alarms include activation of an alarm caused by user error, mechanical failure, malfunction, or improper installation. Excluded are alarms caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, power outages, or alarms that have been cancelled by the City or other agency prior to arrival of the police, fire or emergency medical services.
(e) “Interconnected alarm system” means 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.
(f) “Local alarm system” means 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.
(g) “Person” means an individual, partnership, association or corporation, or any other organization of any kind.
(h) “Service fee” means charges assessed for false alarms in excess of two false alarms in a fiscal year of the City.
(Ord. 42-2004. Passed 12-5-05.)