§ 8-61. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following definitions and conditions shall apply:

Person means any person, partnership, association, firm, corporation or other entity.

False alarm means the activation of any mechanical, burglary, robbery, security or fire alarm system for the purpose of summoning police and/or fire personnel, or which causes one or more police or fire personnel to be dispatched or summoned to a particular location within the city, when, in fact, no crime, fire, or other emergency has, or is being attempted or committed, on the premises.

Preventable false alarm means the careless activation of any police security or fire alarm by any individual, or activation of any police security or fire alarm system proximately caused by the failure of the owner, lessee, operator, or occupant, or their contractor or agent, to properly design, install, or reasonably maintain the security or alarm system in a safe operating condition. Police security or fire alarms shall not be deemed a "preventable false alarm" in violation of this article if it is determined by the chief of police, the chief of the fire department, or their designee, that the alarm was caused by:

(1)

An act of vandalism causing physical damage to the premises;

(2)

Alarms occurring during electrical storms, tornadoes, blizzards, or other acts of God where there is evidence of damage or disruption to the alarm system;

(3)

Electrical power or telephone circuit disruption beyond the control of the alarm company and/or user; or

(4)

Any and all other acts or omissions by persons, or events beyond the reasonable control of the owner, lessee, operator or occupant of the premises and the security alarm system.

(Ord. No. 39-97, § 1, 9-2-97)