[HISTORY: Adopted 4-24-2009 ATM, Art. 25. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Upon the response by the Police Department to false burglar
alarms at a premises or the Fire Department to false fire alarms at
a premises, a penalty may be imposed on the party or parties responsible
for the alarm according to the following schedule:
A.
For the fourth false alarm within a twelve (12) month period, a one
hundred dollar $100.00 fine shall be imposed. For the fifth false
alarm within the twelve (12) month period, a two hundred dollar ($200.00)
fine shall be imposed. For the sixth and all subsequent false alarms
within the twelve (12) month period, a three hundred dollar ($300.00)
fine shall be imposed. For purposes of this bylaw, the twelve (12)
month period shall begin with the first false alarm and extend for
11 months thereafter. After the expiration of such twelve (12) month
period, a new twelve (12) month period shall begin with the occurrence
of a false alarm.
B.
Appeals shall be made to the Police Chief for false burglar alarms,
and to the Fire Chief for false fire alarms. Appeals must be submitted,
in writing, to the Police or Fire Chief within fourteen (14) days
after the issuance date of the citation. A hearing shall be conducted
by the Police Chief or the Fire Chief within fourteen (14) days after
receipt of the written appeal.
C.
The provisions of this bylaw shall be enforced by the Sunderland
Police Chief with regard to burglar alarms, or by the Sunderland Fire
Chief with regard to fire alarms, or their respective designees, or
by any police officer of the Town, through any lawful means, including,
but not limited to, enforcement by noncriminal disposition pursuant
to MGL c. 40, § 21D.
