[CC 1976 §240.010; Ord. No. 1691 §1, 4-14-1987]
For the purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions
shall apply:
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed to
be activated manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized
entry, intrusion or other emergency in or on any building, structure,
facility or premises through the emission of a sound or transmission
of a signal or message.
A person who uses an alarm system to protect any building,
structure, facility or premises.
An alarm system that automatically dials a specific telephone
number and transmits an emergency message by a recording over regular
telephone lines when activated.
An alarm system which provides for a special telephone line
that is directly connected to the Police Department and has an outlet
to the Police Department which emits a sound or transmits a signal
or both when activated.
Any activation of an alarm system intentionally or by inadvertence,
negligence or unintentional act to which the City of Shrewsbury Police
or Fire Department responds, including activation caused by the malfunction
of the alarm system, except that the following shall not be considered
false alarms:
When it has been determined that an alarm has been caused by
the malfunction of the indicator at the dispatching origin.
When it has been determined that an alarm has been caused by
damage, testing or repair of telephone equipment or lines by the telephone
company, provided that such incidents are promptly reported to the
telephone company.
When an alarm is caused by an attempted and unauthorized or
illegal entry of which there is visible evidence.
When an alarm is followed by a call to the Police or Fire Department
canceling the alarm by giving proper information prior to the arrival
at the source of the alarm.
When it has been determined that an alarm has been caused by
a malfunction of electrical power beyond the control of the alarm
user.
[CC 1976 §240.020; Ord. No. 1691 §2, 4-14-1987]
A.
All false
alarms to which the Police or Fire Department responds shall result
in the following charge to the alarm user:
1.
A warning
for the first (1st) false alarm in any calendar year.
2.
A twenty-five
($25.00) service charge for the second (2nd) false alarm in any calendar
year.
3.
A fifty
dollar ($50.00) service charge for the third (3rd) false alarm in
any calendar year.
4.
A one
hundred dollar ($100.00) service charge for the fourth (4th) or any
subsequent false alarm in any calendar year.
B.
Upon
determination by the Police or Fire Department that a false alarm
has occurred, the Department shall send a notice to the alarm user
notifying the alarm user of the determination and directing payment
within ten (10) days of any service charge that may be due.
C.
The Departments shall cancel any notice or service charge upon satisfactory proof by the alarm user that a particular alarm falls within the exceptions enumerated in Section 240.010 hereof.
D.
Refusal
to pay any such service charge within ten (10) days of such notice
shall constitute a violation of this Chapter.
[CC 1976 §240.030; Ord. No. 1691 §3, 4-14-1987]
No person shall install or use an automatic dialing device which
is programmed to dial the Police Department's telephone number. Within
ninety (90) days from April 14, 1987, all automatic dialing devices
shall be programmed to dial any consenting person who may relay the
emergency message to the Police Department by live voice. The alarm
user of such device shall be responsible for having his/her alarm
system re-programmed within the ninety (90) day time period.
[CC 1976 §240.040; Ord. No. 1691 §4, 4-14-1987]
No person shall install or use an audible alarm which is equipped
with an exterior sound-producing device such as a gong, buzzer, siren,
bell or horn unless the same shall be equipped with a fifteen (15)
minute timer. Within ninety (90) days from April 14, 1987, any alarm
user having an audible alarm shall be responsible for equipping it
with a fifteen (15) minute timer.
[CC 1976 §240.050; Ord. No. 1691 §5, 4-14-1987]
Any person who installs, maintains, sells, leases, services,
repairs, alters, replaces or moves any alarm system or causes the
same to be sold, leased, maintained, serviced, repaired, altered,
replaced, moved or installed in or on any building, structure, facility
or premises shall be properly licensed under ordinances of St. Louis
County as the same pertains to the licensing and regulation for the
installation of and use of alarm systems.
[CC 1976 §240.060; Ord. No. 1691 §6, 4-14-1987]
Any alarm user shall register such alarm system with the City
within one (1) week after installation. No charge for any false alarm
shall be made during the first two (2) weeks after the registration
of said alarm.
[CC 1976 §240.070; Ord. No. 1691 §7, 4-14-1987]
Any person who violates or causes a violation of any provision
of this Chapter shall be punishable upon conviction by imprisonment
for not more than ninety (90) days, or by a fine of not more than
five hundred dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment,
and each day such violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.
