§ 38.02 Definitions

1. “Alarm system” means any assembly of equipment, mechanical or electrical, and including all forms of audible exterior and interior alarms arranged to signal the occurrence of an illegal entry, fire emergency and/or medical or other activity, requiring urgent attention, and to which Deputies, firefighters and EMS technicians are expected to respond. The term “alarm system” shall not include personal medical alert devices.

2. “False alarm” means a false alarm is any alarm that is activated on purpose or by accident or by system malfunction when there is no intrusion, fire, smoke or medical emergency. The City shall have the full authority to determine those situations and/or circumstances that may constitute a false alarm, but which are not defined below.

A. Error or Mistake. Any action by any person owning or operating any dwelling, building or place, or any action by an agent or employee of said person which results in the activation of an alarm system when no emergency exists.

B. Malfunction. Any unintentional activation of any alarm system caused by mechanical malfunction, flaw in the design, installation or maintenance of the system.

C. Intentional Misuse. Any intentional activation of an alarm system when no burglary, hold-up, fire or other emergency exists or is in progress.

3. “Owner” means any person, firm, corporation, or entity who owns the premise in which an alarm system is installed or the person who leases, operates, occupies or manages the premises within the City.