Title 10

Chapter 10.42

San Jose Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · San Jose

BURGLARY AND ROBBERY FALSE ALARMS

Parts:

  • 1 General Provisions

  • 2 False Alarm Regulations

Part 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sections:

10.42.010 Definitions.

  • 10.42.020 Alarm system.

10.42.030 Audible alarm.

  • 10.42.040 Automatic telephone dialing device.

  • 10.42.050 False alarm.

  • 10.42.060 Hard line.

  • 10.42.070 Initial false alarm.

  • 10.42.080 Premises.

10.42.090 Proprietor alarm.

10.42.100 Responsible party.

  • 10.42.110 Reserved.

10.42.010 Definitions.

The definitions set forth in this part shall govern the application and interpretation of this chapter.

  • (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.020 Alarm system.

  • A. "Alarm system" means any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a prem-

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§ 10.42.020

ises, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within a premises; and which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when actuated.

  • B. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, automatic telephone dialing devices, hard lines, audible alarms and proprietor alarms.

  • C. Devices which are not designed or used to register alarms that are audible, visible or perceptible outside of the protected premises are not included within this definition, nor are auxiliary devices installed by the telephone company to protect telephone company systems which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.

  • (Ord. 24801.)

the city's communication center where the line is used solely to report the existence of circumstances necessitating police response. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.070 Initial false alarm.

"Initial false alarm" means the first occurrence of a false alarm at the premises. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.080 Premises.

"Premises" means any privately owned real property or structures located within the city (excluding land or structures owned and occupied by, or rented, or leased to the federal, state, or local government).

(Ord. 24801.)

10.42.030 Audible alarm.

"Audible alarm" means a device designed for the detection of unauthorized entry on a premises which generates an audible sound on the premises when it is activated.

(Ord. 24801.)

10.42.040 Automatic telephone dialing device.

"Automatic telephone dialing device" means a device which is connected to a telephone line and is programmed to select a predetermined telephone number and transmit by voice message or digital signal an emergency message indicating a need for emergency response. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.050 False alarm.

"False alarm" means a report received by the police department from any source resulting in a response by the police department to the premises on which an alarm system has been activated in the absence of an emergency situation. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.090 Proprietor alarm.

"Proprietor alarm" means an alarm which is not serviced by an alarm business. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.100 Responsible party.

"Responsible party" means any person who owns, leases or is lawfully in charge of the premises on which an alarm system is installed or maintained, or who owns, leases or uses an alarm system on premises located within the city. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.110 Reserved.

Editor’s note— Ord. 28602, § 1, adopted June 23, 2009, repealed § 10.42.110, pertaining to a sixty-day period.

Part 2

FALSE ALARM REGULATIONS

Sections:

10.42.060 Hard line.

"Hard line" means a telephone or other line leading directly from the premises protected by an alarm system, or from an alarm central station to

10.42.130 False alarm.

10.42.140 Civil enforcement.

10.42.150 Notice of chapter.

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§ 10.43.020

10.42.160 Mandatory assistance. 10.42.170 Direct dial alarms.

10.42.130 False alarm.

The responsible party shall ensure that the police department is not called upon to respond to a false alarm.

10.43.020 Definitions.

10.43.030 Liability for costs of false emergency response.

10.43.040 Payment and collection.

10.43.050 Non-exclusive remedy.

10.43.060 Severability.

10.43.010 Authority and purpose.

10.42.140 Civil enforcement.

  • A. This chapter is not subject to criminal enforcement.

  • B. Responsible parties shall be subject to administrative citations in accordance with Chapter 1.15 of Title 1 of this Code if a second or subsequent violation occurs on the same premises within a calendar year.

  • (Ords. 24801, 28602.)

10.42.150 Notice of chapter.

When the police department responds to any false alarm, a notice shall be posted on the premises advising of applicability of this chapter. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.160 Mandatory assistance.

Upon receiving a telephone call from the San José Police Department, the responsible party shall proceed within forty-five minutes to the premises from which the alarm came and render any necessary service, which includes, but is not limited to, allowing access to the premises so that the premises may be searched by the police department. (Ord. 24801.)

10.42.170 Direct dial alarms.

No person shall use direct dial alarms to 9-1-1. (Ord. 24801.)