Westlake Village Municipal Code Ch. 4.10 Alarm Systems and False Alarms

The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the public health, safety and general welfare by regulating alarm systems and discouraging false alarms.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this Chapter:

"Alarm system" means an assembly of equipment and devices arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which police are expected to respond. "Alarm system" includes without limitation the following: audible alarms; automatic dialing systems; commercial alarms; intrusion alarm systems; manual holdup alarm systems; and robbery alarm systems.

"Audible alarm" means an alarm system that generates a sound designed to be heard outside the building where the system is installed.

"Automatic dialing system" means an alarm system that automatically sends over telephone lines a message or signal indicating the existence of an emergency situation.

"Commercial alarm" means an alarm installed on non-residential premises.

"False alarm" means the activation of an alarm system due to malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or the negligence of the subscriber. "False alarm" does not include the activation of an alarm system due to extremely high winds, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other violent, uncontrollable acts of nature.

"Intrusion alarm system" means an alarm system signaling an entry or attempted entry into the area protected by the system.

"Manual holdup alarm system" means an alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated by the direct action of the person attacked or by an observer of the attack.

"Robbery alarm system" means an alarm system signaling a robbery or attempted robbery.

"Station Commander" means the Station Commander of the Lost Hills Sheriff Station or such person's designated representative.

"Subscriber" means any person that owns, leases, rents, or is entitled to possession of any premises on which an alarm system is installed.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

A. Audible alarms shall automatically turn off within ten (10) minutes of activation.

B. Each subscriber having an audible alarm affixed to real property shall post a notice containing the name and telephone number of the person to be notified to render repairs or turn off the alarm when the alarm is activated. Such notice shall be conspicuously posted near the alarm system in such a position as to be legible from the ground adjacent to the building.

C. No person shall install, maintain or use an audible alarm that emits a sound similar to an emergency vehicle siren.

D. No person shall install, maintain or use an audible alarm that automatically sets itself.

E. No person shall install, maintain or use any alarm system that automatically dials the Sheriff's Department when activated.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

Alarm systems installed after the effective date of this Chapter shall be served by an uninterruptible back-up power supply that prevents activation of the alarm system due to failure or interruption of normal electric utility service. Such back-up power supply shall be capable of operating for at least four (4) hours.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

The Station Commander is authorized to monitor false alarms within the City and to implement such procedures and policies as may be reasonably necessary to reduce false alarms.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

A. A false alarm service charge shall be billed to and paid by each subscriber for the third and each subsequent false alarm issued by the subscriber's alarm system within a calendar year. The service charge amount shall be set by City Council resolution.

B. Within ten (10) days of the imposition of a false alarm service charge, a subscriber may appeal the imposition to the City Manager. An appeal shall be filed in writing and shall specify the grounds for the appeal. Upon receipt of a time appeal, the City Manager shall conduct a hearing at which the subscriber may present evidence. The City Manager may uphold, reduce or waive the false alarm service charge as deemed appropriate based on the evidence presented. The decision of the City Manager shall be final.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

Any violation of this Chapter, other than Section 4.10.060, is an infraction.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)

This Chapter does not apply to the following:

A. Audible alarms affixed to motor vehicles.

B. Alarm systems serving a government entity subscriber.

C. Public telephone utilities whose only duty is to furnish telephone service pursuant to tariffs on file with the California Public Utilities Commission.

(Ord. No. 182-02, Enacted, 12/11/02)