Rosemead Municipal Code Ch. 8.12 Alarm Systems

For purposes of this chapter the following definitions apply:

"Alarm system" means any device, which is used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or to signal the commission of an unlawful act. "Alarms" shall include:

1. "Proprietory alarms" which emit a signal within protected premises.

2. "Audible alarms" which notify persons in the immediate vicinity of the protected premises by emission of an audible sound.

3. "Direct dial device" which is connected to a telephone line and when activated by an alarm system automatically dials a predetermined telephone number and transmits a message or signal to a sheriff's station indicating a need for emergency response. Auxiliary devices installed by a telephone company to protect telephone systems which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.

"Alarm owner" means the owner or occupant of the premises who owns, leases, rents, uses or makes available for use by his or her agents, employees, representatives or family, any alarm system.

"False alarm" means an alarm signal activated by causes other than the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful act or entry for 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 § 4172)

The following regulations and enforcement shall apply to alarm systems.

(Prior code § 4173 (part))

The use of an alarm activated direct dial device to any telephone number in any office of the Sheriff's Department is expressly prohibited.

(Prior code § 4173(A))

For every audible alarm, the alarm owner thereof shall post the names and telephone numbers of persons to be notified to repair or service, an audible alarm, during any hour of the day or night. An audible alarm shall terminate its operation or the audible alarm shall automatically reset within thirty (30) minutes of its being activated.

(Prior code § 4173(B))

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 § 4173(C))

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 ten days of the date of request by the Sheriff.

(Prior code § 4173(D))

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

(Prior code § 4173(E))

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 § 4173(F))

A. Misdemeanor. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B. Corrective Action. Violations of this chapter may be prosecuted in the same manner as any other misdemeanor. However, upon the first violation and specifying that the causes of the violation shall be corrected within ten days of the date of service of the written notice, no further action shall be taken if the Sheriff determines that the causes of the violation have been removed or fully corrected within the time period specified in this chapter. (Amended during 1999 codification; prior code § 4173(G) and (H))