Torrance Municipal Code § 38.1 General Provisions and Definitions

a) The purpose of this Chapter is to set forth regulations governing burglary and robbery alarm systems that require police response or investigation in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

For the purpose of this Chapter, certain words and phrases shall be construed in this Chapter as set forth in this Section, unless it is apparent from the context or the intent of the City Council that a different meaning is intended:

a) "Administrative Hearing Board" means a board constituted pursuant to Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of this Code.

b) "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 both, for the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility or both, and which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, direct dial telephone devices, audible alarms and proprietor alarms. Devices which are not designed or used to register alarms that are audible, visible or perceptible outside of the protected building, structure or facility 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.

c) "Applicant" means a person who files an application for a permit as provided for in this Chapter.

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

e) "False alarm" means an alarm signal activated through a mechanical malfunction, negligence or for reasons not requiring a police response.

f) "Finance Director" means the Finance Director of the City or his designated representative.

g) "Nonresponse status" means that the Police Department will not respond to any alarm signal emanating from a particular alarm system.

h) "Permittee" means any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation holding an alarm system permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.

i) "Police Chief" means the Police Chief of the City or his designated representative.

j) "Proprietor alarm" means an alarm system which does not require police response when activated.

k) "Revenue Division" means the Revenue Division of the Finance Department of the City.

a) No person shall install or have installed or maintain on any premises under his control an alarm system without first applying for and obtaining an alarm system permit therefor in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

b) No alarm system installer or alarm company shall install an alarm system unless a permit under this Chapter has been issued and remains in force for the location.

The provisions of this Chapter are not applicable to proprietor alarms, audible alarms affixed to motor vehicles, a public telephone utility regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, or alarms installed on premises wholly occupied by any governmental or public educational entity.

The Police Chief may prescribe and enforce minimum standards and regulations for the installation, maintenance and operation of all alarm systems installed, serviced or maintained within the City. The Police Chief may require inspection and approval of all alarm systems installed, serviced or maintained within the City.

The Police Chief shall have the right to enter or go on or about any building or premises for the purpose of inspecting the alarm system.

By the enactment of this Chapter the City of Torrance assumes no obligation or duty to any permittee or any other person by reason of any provision thereof or by the exercise of any right or privilege by any permittee thereunder.