Calabasas Municipal Code Ch. 9.12 Alarm Systems and False Alarms

The purpose of this chapter is to set forth regulations governing alarm systems, both commercial and residential, within the city, and provide for enforcement of violations of provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

"Alarm system" means an assembly of equipment and devices designed to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention. "Alarm system" includes, but is not limited to, audible alarms, automatic dialing systems, commercial alarms, robbery alarm systems, intrusion alarm systems, manual holdup alarm systems which monitor temperature, humidity, smoke or other products of combustion.

"Audible alarm" means any alarm system which generates a sound which is designed to be heard outside the building where the system is installed.

"Automatic dialing system" means an alarm system which automatically sends over telephone lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a message or signal indicating the existence of an emergency situation.

"Commercial alarm" means an alarm installed on premises which are not primarily used for residential purposes.

"False alarm" means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, electrical failure, electronic failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or the negligence of the owner, lessee, or of his employees or agents. Such terminology does not include, for example, alarms caused by extremely high winds, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other violent, uncontrollable acts of nature.

"Intrusion alarm system" means an alarm system signaling an entry or attempted entry into the area protected by the system.

"Manual holdup alarm system" means an alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated by the direct action of the person attacked or by an observer of the attack.

"Public agency" includes the state, county and any city or district therein, and any department or officers thereof.

"Robbery alarm system" means an alarm system signaling a robbery or attempted robbery.

"Station commander" means the station commander of the Lost Hills sheriff station or his designated representative.

"Subscriber" means any person or business entity which owns, leases, rents, or is entitled to possession of any premises on which an alarm system is installed. Public agencies are not included within this definition.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

A. No audible alarm shall be installed, maintained, or used which emits a sound similar to that of an emergency vehicle siren.

B. The subscriber to an audible alarm system affixed to real property shall post a notice containing the name and telephone number of the person to be notified to render repairs, services, or turn off the alarm when the alarm is activated. Such notice shall be posted near the alarm in such a position as to be legible from the ground adjacent to the building.

C. All audible alarms shall be designed and/or equipped to automatically turn off no more than ten (10) minutes after being activated.

D. No subscriber, seller or lessor of alarm systems shall install, equip or utilize an audible alarm that automatically sets itself.

E. No person shall use any alarm system which is equipped with direct-dial device, and which when activated, automatically dials any telephone number in any office of the sheriff.

F. This chapter is not applicable to audible alarms affixed to motor vehicles or to a public telephone utility whose only duty is to furnish telephone service pursuant to tariffs on file with the California Public Utilities Commission.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

All new alarms shall be supplied with an uninterruptable power supply in such a manner that the failure or interruption of the normal utility electric service will not activate the alarm system. The power supply shall be capable of operating for at least four hours.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

Persons who install, service, or maintain alarm systems in the city shall register with the city prior to doing so and shall furnish a listing of those residences and businesses at which that person has installed alarm systems and shall update that listing not less than quarterly. The information shall be provided in an electronic format acceptable to the city and shall remain confidential.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

(Ord. No. 2010-269, § 1, 2-10-2010)

The station commander is authorized to implement such procedures and policies as may be reasonably necessary to reduce false alarms as defined in this chapter. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. The Lost Hills sheriff station will monitor all false burglary and robbery alarms within the city.

B. False alarms activated within a calendar year shall be subject to a service charge as set forth by resolution.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

A. Any violation of any provision of this chapter other than Section 9.12.060 B is an infraction.

B. A third false alarm within a one-year period arising from the same alarm system or from the same real property shall constitute a public nuisance and an infraction. In addition to any other remedies provided in this chapter, the city may summarily abate and/or bring suit to enjoin or abate the nuisance.

1. For an alarm system transferring signals directly to a police station, the city may summarily abate a nuisance under this section by severing the connection between the alarm system and the police station.

2. If summary abatement of a nuisance under this section requires entry onto private property, the city may do so only pursuant to a warrant or court order or in those exigent circumstances in which no warrant or court order is required by law.

(Ord. 96-106 § 2 (part), 1996)

(Ord. No. 2010-269, § 2, 2-10-2010)