City of Fenton, MO Chapter 240 False Alarms

Section 240.010 Definitions.

[R.O. 2009 § 240.010]

The following words, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings set out herein:

ALARM SYSTEM

Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed to be actuated 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.

ALARM USER

A person who uses an alarm system to protect any building, structure, facility, or premises.

FALSE ALARM

Any activation of an alarm system intentionally or by inadvertence, negligence, or unintentional act to which the City, including the Police, responds, including activation caused by the malfunction of the alarm system. The following shall not be considered false alarms:

1. When an alarm has been caused by damage, testing, or repair of telephone equipment or lines by the telephone company or severe weather provided that such incidents are promptly reported to the telephone company.

2. When an alarm is caused by an attempted and unauthorized or illegal entry, of which there is visible evidence.

3. When an alarm is intentionally caused by the alarm user acting under a reasonable belief that need exists to call the Police.

4. When an alarm is followed by a call to the Police from the alarm company canceling the alarm by giving proper information, prior to the arrival of the Police at the source of the alarm.

Section 240.020 False Alarm Service Charges.

[R.O. 2009 § 240.020]

A. All false alarms to which the Police responds shall result in the following service charge to the alarm user:

1. No service charge for the first false alarm in any calendar year;

2. A twenty-five-dollar ($25.00) service charge for the second false alarm in any calendar year; and

3. A fifty-dollar ($50.00) service charge for the third and each subsequent false alarm in any calendar year.

B. Upon determination by the City Administrator or his or her designee that a false alarm has occurred and a service charge is due, the City shall send a notice to the alarm user of the determination and directing payment of the service charge to the City within thirty (30) days.

[Ord. No. 4362, 8-24-2023]

C. The City shall cancel any notice or service charge upon satisfactory proof by the alarm user in the discretion of the City Administrator or his or her designee that a particular alarm falls within the exceptions enumerated in Section 240.010.

D. Refusal to pay any such service charge within sixty (60) days of the notice shall constitute an ordinance violation subject to the General Penalty provisions set forth in Section 100.120.

E. Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prevent the City or other appropriate authority from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violations of this Chapter.