Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 38 ALARM SYSTEMS AND FALSE ALARMS 38.01 Purpose 38.04 False Alarms 38.02 Definitions 38.05 Penalties for False Alarms 38.03 Registration of Alarm Systems 38.01 PURPOSE. The purpose of this chapter is to assess a civil penalty for false alarms in the City received by the County Sheriff’s Office or Fire Department which require a deputy to report to the scene or a response from the Fire Department to the scene. False alarms expose the public to danger as well as increasing the costs on the City and Fire Departments to respond to those alarms. 38.02 DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this chapter the following terms are defined: 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 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 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 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. 38.03 REGISTRATION OF ALARM SYSTEMS. 1. Registration Requirement. All residential or business properties in which an alarm system has been or will be installed shall register the location of the property with the City. The registration form shall include the following information: A. The address where the alarm system is located. B. The name, address, and telephone numbers of at least two people designated as emergency contacts for City response related to the alarm system. Emergency contacts required under this section are specific to City CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 301 -