Rolling Hills Municipal Code Ch. 9.36 Burglar Alarms

As used in this chapter, the words defined in this section are used as so defined unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.

A. "Alarm owner" means the person who uses or makes available any alarm system for use by his or her agents, employees, representatives or family.

B. "Alarm system" means any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for the detection of fire, intrusion into a building, structure or facility, and for alerting persons of such an event within a building, structure, or facility by means of a local audible alarm or transmission of a signal or message. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, direct dial tone devices, audible alarms, and proprietor alarms. Devices which are not designed or used to evoke a police or fire response or that are not intended to be audible, visible, or perceptible outside of the protected building, structure, or facility are not included within this definition. Also excluded are auxiliary devices which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.

C. "Audible alarm" means a device designed for the detection of a fire or of an intrusion which generates an audible sound on the premises when it is activated.

D. "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.

E. "Person" means an individual, firm, corporation, association, partnership, individual, organization, or company.

F. "Proprietor alarm" means an alarm which is not regularly serviced by an alarm business.

(Ord. 206 §§ 2, 3, 1984; Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

No person shall install or use any alarm system which is equipped with a direct dial device which automatically dials any telephone number in any office of the Sheriff or Fire Department.

(Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

The alarm owner of every audible alarm shall post in a location clearly visible from outside the front of the premises protected by the alarm 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 automatically terminate or shall automatically reset within fifteen minutes of its being activated.

(Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

No person shall install or use an alarm system which, upon activation, emits a sound similar to sirens in use for emergency vehicles or civil defense purposes.

(Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

When, after any alarm is responded to by the Sheriff, no evidence of a criminal act is discovered upon responding to the alarm, a written report shall be submitted by the owner of the alarm describing actions taken to eliminate the cause of the alarm, if requested by the Sheriff. This report shall be submitted within ten days of the date of the request by the Sheriff.

(Ord. 206 § 4, 1984: Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

A service charge shall be billed to and paid by the owner of an alarm system for each response to an activated alarm unless the Sheriff discovers evidence of criminal activity upon responding to the alarm. The amount of the charge shall be determined by resolution of the City Council and shall be based upon the actual cost to the City of the response to the alarm.

The service charge shall be billed to the alarm owner by the City Manager upon appropriate notice from the Sheriff and shall be due and payable within fifteen days of the billing date. Should the amount not be paid, the City may collect the debt pursuant to any available provision of law.

This section does not apply to a test of an alarm system, permission for which must be obtained in advance from the Sheriff.

(Ord. 206 § 5, 1984: Ord. 202 § 2(part), 1983).

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.

(Ord. 202 § 2 (part), 1983).