The purpose of this chapter (False Fire Alarms) is to reduce
the number of false fire alarms by ensuring proper maintenance of
said systems, educating the public, preventing the waste of fire resources
caused by responses to false alarms, and enforcing the provisions
of this chapter.
(Ord. 423 § 1, 2014)
This chapter is applicable to all fire alarm systems in the
city of Lemon Grove. After adoption of the ordinance codified in this
chapter by the city council, there shall be a three-month delay in
enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. During this time, the
enforcement officer shall issue warnings to educate the public of
the need to properly maintain fire alarms to prevent a waste of public
resources responding to false alarms.
(Ord. 423 § 1, 2014)
"Department response"
means a fire department response that has occurred when the
fire unit is dispatched by Heartland Dispatch or any other official
emergency dispatching service in response to the activation of a fire
alarm signal that summons the fire department.
"False fire alarm"
means the activation of a fire alarm signal that summons
the fire department to respond in an emergency response mode due to
nuisance, mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation,
lack of maintenance and/or testing.
"Fire alarm"
means any device or equipment that automatically transmits
a signal to activate a municipal fire alarm system, which in turn,
causes fire department notification and emergency response to any
premises.
(Ord. 423 § 1, 2014)
The fire marshal, or designee, shall be the responsible agent
for ensuring that the provisions of this chapter are enforced.
(Ord. 423 § 1, 2014)
After two false alarm responses in thirty days or three false alarm responses in six months at any location, a false alarm fee will be charged at the rate approved in the city of Lemon Grove in the Master Fee Schedule. If no specific fee for fire alarms is established, the fire alarm fee charged shall be based on the fee charged for false alarms applicable to security alarms under Chapter
8.32 of the Lemon Grove Municipal Code.
(Ord. 423 § 1, 2014)