Scotts Valley Municipal Code Art. I Purpose and Definitions

This chapter is enacted for the purpose of preserving the public health, safety, and welfare by providing a measure of administrative control over security alarm systems and security alarm businesses as defined in Section 5.26.020 of this article.

(Ord. 38.1 § 2(part), 1987)

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

A. "Alarm businesses" or "security alarm business" means any business operated by a person, firm, or corporation which engages in the activity of alerting, installing, leasing, maintaining, repairing, replacing, selling, or servicing security alarm systems.

B. "Alarm system" means "security alarm system" as the term is defined in subsection H of this section.

C. "Audible alarm" means an alarm system which, when actuated, generates an audible sound on the premises.

D. "Existing security alarm system" means an alarm system which is installed or becomes operational before October 1, 1987.

E. "False alarm" means an alarm signal, either silent or audible, prompting a response by the police department when an emergency situation for which the alarm system was intended does not exist. Such terminology shall not include alarms caused by earthquakes, storms, power outages, or other factors or conditions beyond human control.

F. "New security alarm system" means an alarm system which is installed or becomes operational on or after October 1, 1987.

G. "Preentry security alarm system" means any security alarm system which is designed or used to detect any activity outside the secured perimeter of a building, structure, or facility.

H. "Security alarm system" means any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility, and which device is designed or used so as to transmit, when actuated, a sound, signal, or message which is audible, visible, or perceptible outside of the protected building, structure or facility. "Security alarm system" includes a system installed on residential property as well as a system installed on commercial property. The following devices are not included within the definition of security alarm system:

1. 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;

2. Audible alarms affixed to motor vehicles; and

3. Alarm systems which are designed or used solely for the detection of fire, smoke, gas, failure of fire suppression equipment, or other fire-related hazards.

I. "Silent alarm" means that type of alarm system which, when activated, sounds a bell or buzzer or turns on a light at a predesignated place other than the location where the alarm has been installed.

J. "Subscriber" means the person, firm, corporation, or other entity who files (or on whose behalf is filed) an application for registration of a security alarm system pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 38.1 § 2(part), 1987)