Gustine Municipal Code Ch. 2 Alarm Systems

Footnotes:

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State Law reference— Alarm companies, Business and Professions Code § 7590 et seq.

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

Alarm system means any mechanical or electrical device designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry on or into any building, place or premises; or, for the alerting of others to the existence of an emergency situation, or of the commission of an unlawful act, which when activated emits a sound or transmits a signal or message, and which directly or indirectly initiates or causes a response by the police or fire department.

Audible alarm means the type of alarm system, which when activated, emits an audible sound outside of the structure, including vehicles, in which it is located.

False alarm means any alarm or signal activated through alarm user negligence or error for reasons not of an emergency nature, or when activated due to malfunction of any segment of the alarm system, and which results in a response by city police or fire department personnel where an emergency situation does not exist.

Owner means any person who owns, operates, or maintains an alarm system and shall include any person designated by the owner to represent him for the purposes of this chapter.

(Code 1966, § 4-9.02)

(a) A security alarm company or any other person who installs or operates an alarm system on property located in the city shall register such alarm system with the city police department. Registration shall be accomplished before the alarm system is activated. No person shall sell or install an alarm system without first obtaining a business license with the city. The following information shall be furnished when registering the alarm system:

(1) Alarm location;

(2) Name of the owner;

(3) Home and business telephone number of owner;

(4) Type of alarm system;

(5) Alternate contact authorized to shut off the alarm system.

(b) If an alarm system is not registered as required by this section, any alarms for which the police and/or fire departments respond shall be counted as a false alarm until registered properly with the department.

(Code 1966, § 4-9.03)

No person shall by means of any mechanical device call and deliver a recorded message to any telephone number that terminates in the city police or fire department business offices advising of an alarm activation.

(a) Public safety and safety of police officers and firefighters requires that any alarm causing false alarms be corrected immediately. In the case of fire and smoke alarms, the fire chief shall make the determination as to whether or not response will be terminated and when such termination shall occur. In the case of alarm responses other than fire or smoke alarms, the chief of police shall make the determination as to whether or not response will be terminated and when such termination shall occur.

(b) The maximum number of false alarms that may be reported by any separate alarm system within a 12 consecutive month period shall be three. On the fourth and subsequent false alarms, a fee schedule shall be imposed as per council resolution.

No person shall install an audible alarm system without a mechanical, electronic or other device which will shut off the audible sound of the alarm system after a period of no more than 15 minutes.