15.12.050 Alarm use standards.
A.
1. All existing and prospective users of alarm systems shall obtain an alarm user permit approved by the responsible department head within sixty days following the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, or prior to the installation and use of an alarm system, as the case may be. A separate permit shall be required for each separate alarmed building or facility and for each separate alarm system. Application for the permit, and a fee as established by council resolution, must be filed for each year or part thereof. Each permit application shall contain the current name, address, telephone number and signature of the individual accepting responsibility for the proper functioning and maintenance of the alarm system covered by the permit. A copy of the permit shall be posted upon the premises where the alarm system is installed. Each permit will bear the signature of the issuing official and the chief of the responsible department. All permits shall expire one year after the date of issuance.
2. Application for permits more than sixty days after the need for such permit arises shall require the payment of a one hundred percent penalty fee.
B. The alarm user shall, at all times, insure that the emergency dispatch center is in possession of a minimum of three names, telephone numbers and home addresses of persons with twenty-four-hour access to the alarm location and the alarm system who are authorized to and will respond to the location where an alarm has been activated. The response shall be within a reasonable time and, in any event, within thirty minutes of being requested to do so. At any time that one of these persons no longer possesses such access to the alarm location, the alarm user shall immediately notify the emergency dispatch center and, in any event, this notification shall be made within forty-eight hours of the time at which the person no longer possesses access to the location.
C.
1. It shall be the duty of the alarm user to properly use the alarm system and to maintain it mechanically and technically to insure safe and responsible operation and minimize the number of false alarms. If the chief of police or fire chief determines that a system lacks in quality, components, servicing, or is improperly used by the alarm user, he/she may require that modifications be made to the system to make it comply with this chapter.
2. False alarms shall be considered excessive when they exceed three activations in any twelve-month period.
3. As provided by resolution of the city council, a fee shall be paid to the city by each alarm user for excessive false alarms. The police chief or fire chief shall cause to be issued a monthly bill for the unpaid fees accrued during any monthly billing period and any prior periods. Such bills shall be due and payable within thirty days after the billing date.
4. A penalty of fifteen percent shall be added to the fees required by this section in connection with any fees not paid in the time and manner set forth above.
5. The amount of any fee and late penalty assessed pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed a debt to the city and an action may be commenced in the name of the city in any court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of the delinquent debt.Payment of any user fees and late charges shall not prohibit criminal prosecution for the violation of any provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1162 § 2 (part), 1990)