Chapter 9.32
ALARM SYSTEMS

Sections:

9.32.010    Definitions.

9.32.020    Emergency response card.

9.32.030    Fees-Corrective action-Disconnection.

9.32.040    Notice of sanctions.

9.32.050    Hearing on administrative decision-Finality.

9.32.060    Payment of fees.

9.32.070    Automatic alarm dialing devices-Certain interconnections prohibited.

9.32.080    Automatic reset required.

9.32.010 Definitions.

In this chapter, unless a different meaning is plainly required, the definitions contained in this section shall apply:

“Automatic dialing alarm device” means a device which is interconnected and is programmed to select a pre-determined telephone number and transmit by voice message or code signal an emergency message indicating a need for emergency response.

“Burglary and/or robbery alarm” means any electronic, mechanical or other system designed to sound, internally or externally, to the structure, and audible, visual, silent or electronic warning upon any unauthorized entry into the premises.

“False alarm” means the activation of a burglary and/or robbery alarm by other than a forced entry, attempted entry, unlawful entry or actual robbery or attempted robbery on the premises and at the time no robbery, burglary or crime involving a foreseeable risk of grievous bodily harm is being committed or attempted on the premises.

“Interconnect” means to connect an alarm system, including an automatic dialing device, to a telephone line, either directly or through a mechanical device that utilizes a telephone, for the purpose of using the telephone line to transmit a message upon the activation of the alarm system.

“Owner” means the person having or maintaining a burglary and/or robbery alarm on premises owned and/or occupied by that person.

“Person” means any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, incorporated association or society, or a corporation of any character whatsoever.

“Response” has occurred when the police department begins to proceed towards the premises as a result of the activation of the alarm.

(Ord. 358 §1, 1998).

9.32.020 Emergency response card.

It is unlawful to have or maintain on any premises a burglary and/or robbery alarm unless there is on file with the police department, or their official designee, i.e., dispatch center, an emergency response card containing the name or names and current telephone number or numbers of person(s) authorized to enter such premises and turn off any such alarm at all hours of the day and night.

(Ord. 358 §2, 1998).

9.32.030 Fees-Corrective action-Disconnection.

A. For police response to any false alarm, the town shall charge and collect from the owner, fees as follows:

1. For a response to a premises at which no other false alarm has occurred within the preceding ninety-day period, referred to in this chapter as “first response,” no fee shall be charged. Upon a first response, the chief of police, or his designee, shall give notice of conditions and requirements of this chapter to the owner.

2. For a second response to a false alarm to the premises within ninety days after the first alarm, the town shall assess the owner a fee of fifty dollars, which is due and payable in full within thirty days of the date of the assessment.

3. For the third response to a false alarm at the premises within ninety days of the most recent response, the town shall assess the owner a fee of seventy-five dollars, which is due and payable in full within thirty days of the date of assessment.

4. The chief of police, or his designee, may direct the owner to have authorized service personnel inspect the alarm at the premises and may direct the owner to take corrective action as may be reasonably prescribed by the chief of police or his designee. All costs of inspection and corrective action shall be borne by the owner.

B. If an individual takes corrective action either on their own or by direction, the city may waive the fee upon satisfaction that the recurring false alarm problem has been corrected.

(Ord. 358 §3, 1998).

9.32.040 Notice of sanctions.

A. Notice of imposition of any administrative sanction, including the imposition of any fees or costs, under the provisions of this chapter shall be sent by mail or be delivered personally to the owner; or personal delivery to the manager or chief administrative agent, regularly assigned or employed at the premises at the time of the occurrence of a false alarm shall be deemed to be good and sufficient notice.

B. The notice shall specify the sanctions imposed and shall advise the owner that unless the owner requests a hearing as hereinafter provided in Section 9.32.050, within fifteen days of the date of the notice, the sanctions will be imposed.

(Ord. 358 §4, 1998).

9.32.050 Hearing on administrative decision-Finality.

A. Any person subject to the imposition of a fee or other administrative sanction under the terms of this chapter, shall have a right to a hearing with the town council upon filing a timely written request, as indicated in Section 9.32.040B.

B. Upon receipt of a timely written request, the town clerk shall schedule a hearing date and inform the owner of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The town council shall consider the record of past false alarms, any corrective action taken and any inspection reports on the cause of the false alarm. If the town council determines that the false alarms are not caused by the owner or his employees or agents, and that reasonable steps have been taken to correct the problem, the fee or other sanction may be suspended, in whole or in part.

(Ord. 358 §5, 1998).

9.32.060 Payment of fees.

It is an infraction for any person to fail or refuse to pay any fee imposed under this chapter. In addition to the initiation of any civil proceeding, the mayor may authorize the town attorney to collect the fees by appropriate legal action.

(Ord. 358 §6, 1998).

9.32.070 Automatic alarm dialing devices-Certain interconnections prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person to program an automatic dialing alarm device to select any telephone line assigned to the town police department, or the police dispatch service.

(Ord. 358 §7, 1998).

9.32.080 Automatic reset required.

Within sixty days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, all burglary and/or robbery alarms maintained on any premises in the town shall have an automatic reset device which will de-activate the alarm after no more than fifteen minutes of continued operation. Any owner failing to install such an automatic device, as required in this section, shall have committed a civil infraction and shall pay a penalty up to seventy-five dollars.

(Ord. 358 §8, 1998).