For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM. A notification, initiated purposely by a person or electronically, intended to summon the Police or Fire Department for a response to: an unauthorized entry on a premises; an unauthorized entry on a premises for the commission of an unlawful act; smoke, heat or fire.
ALARM NOTIFICATION LETTER. A form letter that indicates the date and time of an alarm activation that required police or fire personnel response, that is designated to be sent to alarm users as notification of false alarms.
ALARM SITE. A single premises or location that an alarm service is provided by an alarm system or systems.
ALARM SYSTEMS. A device that emits a sound or transmits a signal or message, designated for the detection of: an unauthorized entry on a premises; an unauthorized entry on a premises for the commission of an unlawful act; smoke, heat or fire.
(1) In this chapter, the term ALARM SYSTEM includes, but is not limited to, the terms, “automatic hold up alarm system”, “burglar alarm system”, “hold up alarm system”, “manual hold up alarm system” and “police alarm system”.
(2) Upon the effective date of this chapter, ALARM SYSTEMS installed that employ audible signals shall be equipped with shut-off devices that automatically silences the audible signal after 15 minutes.
ALARM USER. A person, firm or corporation, resident/homeowner or other person on whose premises an alarm system is maintained within the city, except for alarm systems on motor vehicles.
FALSE ALARM. An alarm not resulting from: unauthorized entry on a premises; an unauthorized entry on a premises for the commission of an unlawful act; smoke, heat or fire; initiated purposely by a person or electronically, through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or the negligence of the owner, lessee of an alarm system or actions of the employee or agent of the establishment, corporation or facility.
FALSE ALARM EXCEPTION. Any alarm caused by weather conditions such as an electrical storm, power outage, tornado, blizzard or act of God; or an alarm that is activated by a person working on the alarm system with prior notification to the Police Department; or an alarm malfunction that is corrected within three business days of notification by the Police Department; provided, the alarm user presents documentation of repair service by the alarm company to remedy the malfunction.
PERSON. Any individual, partnership, LLC or corporation or other entity.
(Prior Code, § 2.1-2) (Ord. 1164, passed 3-3-2003)