Norwalk Municipal Code Ch. 8.20 Alarm Systems

As used in this chapter:

"Alarm owner"

means the person who owns, leases, rents, uses or makes available for use by his or her agents, employees, representatives or family, any alarm system.

"Alarm system"

means any device, whether known as a burglary, robbery or intrusion alarm, direct dial telephone device, audible or silent alarm or by any other name, which is used for the detection of any unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or to signal the commission of an unlawful act. It shall include those devices which emit a signal within the protected premises only, are supervised by the proprietor of the premises where located, and are otherwise known as proprietary alarm systems. Auxiliary devices installed by a telephone company to protect telephone company systems which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system are not included in this definition.

"Audible alarm"

means a device designed to notify persons in the immediate vicinity of the protected premises of the commission of an unlawful act.

"Direct dial device"

means a device which is connected to a telephone line and upon activation of an alarm system, automatically dials a predetermined telephone number and transmits a message or signal indicating a need for emergency response.

"False alarm"

means an alarm signal activated by causes other than the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful act which the alarm system is designed to detect. An alarm signal activated by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not subject to the control of the alarm owner shall not constitute a false alarm.

(Prior code § 5-5.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

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

(Prior code § 5-5.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

For every audible alarm, the alarm owner shall post the names and telephone numbers of persons to be notified to render repairs or service during any hour of the day or night during which the audible alarm is operated. An audible alarm shall terminate its operations or the audible alarm shall automatically reset within 30 minutes of its being activated.

(Prior code § 5-5.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

A person shall not knowingly turn in a false alarm. This section does not prohibit a test of an alarm system as permitted in advance by the Sheriff.

(Prior code § 5-5.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

After any false alarm, the alarm owner shall, upon request by the Sheriff, submit a written report to the Sheriff describing actions taken or to be taken to eliminate the cause of the false alarm. This report shall be submitted within 10 days of the date of request by the Sheriff.

(Prior code § 5-5.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

An alarm owner shall not operate an alarm system which generates more than three false alarms in any 12 month period.

(Prior code § 5-5.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The provisions of this chapter are 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.

(Prior code § 5-5.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

A service charge shall be billed to and paid by the alarm owners for each Sheriff's response in excess of three alarm calls during a 12 month period, which was a false alarm or did not require Sheriff's services other than deactivation of an alarm system. Such charges shall be payable within 30 days of the date of billing. Such service charge shall be established and amended by resolution of the City Council.

(Prior code § 5-5.8; Ord. 1475 § 1, 1997; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The City Manager or designee may order an alarm owner to temporarily or permanently disconnect an alarm if either of the following conditions are met:

A. A billed service charge is not paid within 30 days of the date of billing.

B. Ten or more false alarms have been responded to during a 12 month period.

(Prior code § 5-5.9; Ord. 1475 § 1, 1997; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

A request for review of billing may be submitted to the City's Department of Public Safety. Following this review, if the appellant is not satisfied with the findings, he or she may submit a written appeal to the City Manager. The decision of the City Manager shall be considered a final determination.

(Prior code § 5-5.10; Ord. 1475 § 1, 1977; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)