Chapter 8.54
ALARM SYSTEMS
Sections:
8.54.030 Permit for existing alarm systems.
8.54.050 Application form and fee.
8.54.070 Restrictions on automatic calling devices.
8.54.080 Revocation of permit.
8.54.090 Service charges and grounds for revocation.
8.54.010 Purpose.
The ordinance codified in this chapter is enacted pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 7592.8. The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules and regulations concerning the use of alarms in Alpine County to enhance the effectiveness of these devices, and to minimize law enforcement response to false alarms caused by the improper use or abuse of these systems. (Ord. 729 § 1, 2018)
8.54.020 Permit required.
No person shall install or operate an alarm system on any premises under his or her control without first obtaining a permit as required by this chapter. A permit for an alarm system at no fee shall be obtained from the Alpine County sheriff’s department. (Ord. 729 § 2, 2018)
8.54.030 Permit for existing alarm systems.
Any person who installed an alarm system on his premises before the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall obtain a permit for the alarm system as required by this chapter if the alarm system is still in operation. The permit must be obtained within one hundred eighty days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 729 § 3, 2018)
8.54.040 Exclusions.
This chapter shall not apply to alarm systems in motor vehicles or alarm systems operated by public agencies. (Ord. 729 § 4, 2018)
8.54.050 Application form and fee.
Each person who installs or operates an alarm system on any premises under his or her control shall complete and submit to the county sheriff a permit application on a form containing all information required by the sheriff. The permit shall be valid the date of issuance until revoked or change of ownership of property. There would be no fee associated with this form/permit. (Ord. 729 § 5, 2018)
8.54.060 Prohibition.
No audible alarm system may emit a sound the same as or similar to sirens used on emergency vehicles or civil defense or fire department stationary sirens. (Ord. 729 § 6, 2018)
8.54.070 Restrictions on automatic calling devices.
No alarm system shall utilize an automatic calling device which places a call to any emergency police, fire, or medical service telephone number. (Ord. 729 § 7, 2018)
8.54.080 Revocation of permit.
The sheriff may revoke any alarm system permit if he/she determines that the system does not comply with the provisions of this chapter. The alarm user will be notified in writing ten working days before the effective date of the revocation. This notice will be sent to the premises or P.O. Box associated with the premises upon which the alarm system is located by first class mail and will include a statement of the reasons for the proposed revocation.
The revocation of the permit will be effective ten working days after notice of the revocation is mailed. The alarm user may request in writing that the sheriff reconsider any decision to revoke an alarm system permit. Such a request must be received by the sheriff within five working days after the revocation notice is mailed. The alarm user will be given written notification of the results of the review and a statement of the reasons for the action to be taken. The sheriff may, at his/her sole discretion, revoke the permit, reinstate the permit, suspend the permit for a reasonable period of time, reinstate the permit with restrictions or additional provisions, and assess a penalty as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 729 § 8, 2018)
8.54.090 Service charges and grounds for revocation.
A. The activation of a false alarm due to the negligence of the alarm user or authorized operator will result in the assessment of a service charge to the user to defray the cost of responding to the alarm location based on the following schedule:
1. For each false alarm in excess of two in the preceding twelve-month period, the user shall pay a fee of one hundred fifty dollars.
2. For each false alarm in excess of four in the preceding twelve-month period, the user shall pay a fee of two hundred dollars.
3. When six or more false alarms are received in the preceding twelve-month period, the sheriff’s office will cease responding to alarm activations at the alarm location for a period of one hundred eighty days or until receipt of satisfactory written evidence from a licensed alarm company that the cause of the false alarms has been determined, the problem has been corrected, and that the users of the alarm system have been trained in its proper use.
B. No fee shall be assessed or sanctions imposed for false alarms activated by storms, electrical failures, natural disasters, acts of God or other events not under the control of the alarm user or the fault of the alarm system.
C. The permit application form prescribed by the sheriff shall require the alarm user to provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two persons to respond to the premises when the alarm system is activated. If a responsible party fails to respond to an alarm signal, the sheriff may revoke the alarm system permit.
D. The sheriff may revoke an alarm permit for failure to pay any charges or fees required under this chapter. The sheriff may refuse to respond to future alarm calls if charges or fees are not paid.
E. Any person who installs or operates an alarm system on any premises without a valid permit is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine. (Ord. 729 § 9, 2018)
8.54.100 Definitions.
“Alarm system” means any device designed to signal the presence of an emergency situation or the commission of a criminal act and to which police or other emergency agencies are expected to respond.
“Alarm user” means any individual or business using an alarm system.
“Audible alarm” means any alarm device which when activated generates an audible sound on the premises protected.
“Automatic calling device” means any device used in conjunction with an alarm system which generates a telephone message upon activation of the alarm system to another location for the purposes of summoning emergency assistance to the premises.
“False alarm” means an alarm signal necessitating response by the sheriff where there has been no emergency situation or the commission of a criminal act.
“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity.
“Premises” means any premises except public agencies.
“Responsible party” means any person designated by an alarm user as having responsibility for operation and maintenance of an alarm system or as having responsibility for responding to the premises when an alarm system is activated. (Ord. 729 § 10, 2018)