§ 4-26. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Alarm location. The site of the equipment used to activate the alarm.

Alarm system. Any mechanical, electrical, or radio-controlled device which is designated to be used for the detection of any unauthorized entry into a building, structure, conveyance, or facility, or for alerting others to the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure, conveyance or facility, or both; or which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated because of smoke, heat, fire, or the existence of a bona fide medical emergency. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, alarm systems shall be deemed include audible alarms at the site of the installation of the detection device, proprietor alarms, and automatic telephone direct dial devices or digital alarm communicator systems.

Automatic telephone dialing service or digital alarm communicator system. An alarm system which automatically sends a prerecorded voice message or coded signal, over telephone lines by direct connection or otherwise, to a telephone or other device located at the police department or fire department E 911 center, indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm is designed to detect.

Enforcement official. The chief of police, fire chief or their designated representatives.

False alarm. The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance or because of the negligent or intentional misuse of the system by the owner, lessee, occupant, recipient, or manager of the premises where the alarm is installed or because of negligence or misuse of the system by an employee, servant or agent of such person or any other activation of the alarm system not caused by forced entry, attempted forced entry, or robbery; or not caused by fire, heat or smoke, or bona fide medical emergency; provided, however, false alarm does not include alarms caused by acts of God or by external power failure or those alarms intentionally activated by an owner, lessee, occupant, recipient, or manager of premises who visually observed or heard suspicious circumstances which would cause a careful and prudent person to believe that a fire, forced entry, robbery, or other felony was in progress at the premises protected by the alarm system.

Fee. The assessment of a monetary charge, as authorized pursuant to this article, to defray the expense of responding to a false alarm.

Owner. Any person who owns the premises in which an alarm system is installed or the person who leases, operates, occupies or manages the premises.

Premises. Any building, structure, conveyance, or combination of buildings and structures which serve as dwelling units, single-family or multifamily, or any other area within a building, structure or combination thereof which is used for any purpose other than residential, wherein an alarm system is installed.

Recipient. The person or persons who request or benefit from the installation of an alarm system.

Required operative alarm system. An alarm system which the owner of a premises is required to maintain in an operative condition pursuant to statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any governmental entity.

(Ord. No. 94-19, § 1, 10-4-94)