[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Pittsford
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention and building construction administration — See Ch. 105.
[Adopted 10-13-1992 by L.L.
No. 3-1992]
It is the purpose of this article to protect and promote the health,
safety and general welfare of the residents of the Village of Pittsford by
reducing the number of avoidable alarms to emergency agencies. Avoidable alarms
contribute to ineffective utilization of public safety manpower and equipment.
In addition, avoidable alarms require emergency responses which may contribute
to a high accident rate and delayed responses to genuine emergencies. This
article seeks to ensure that fire communications facilities will be available
to dispatch fire personnel for actual emergencies.
For the purpose of this article, certain words and phrases shall be
construed herein as set forth in this section:
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation or the negligence of the owner, user, custodian or lessee
of an alarm system or his employees or agents or through any other cause which,
through direct connection to an emergency agency, or which, through notification
of an emergency agency by a private answering point or automatic dialing device,
or which, through notification to an emergency agency by any other second
party or means, indicates that an emergency situation exists requiring an
emergency response within the Village of Pittsford when, in fact, an emergency
situation does not exist. An "avoidable alarm" also includes the knowing or
intentional activation of an alarm to an emergency agency when the activator
knows that an emergency situation does not exist. "Avoidable alarm" does not
include alarms activated by violent conditions of nature, such as hurricanes,
tornadoes, earthquakes or any other similar cause beyond the control of the
user of the alarm system. Activation of an alarm system under any circumstances
in which the activator reasonably believes that an emergency situation exists
is not an "avoidable alarm."
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for
the detection of fire and which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message
when activated. "Fire alarm systems" include but are not limited to direct-dial
telephone devices, audible alarms and proprietor alarms. Devices which are
not designed or used to register alarms that are audible, visible or perceptible
outside of the protected building, structure or facility are not included
within this definition, nor are auxiliary devices installed by the telephone
company or a cable television company to protect its systems which might be
damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.
The Fire Marshal of the Village of Pittsford or his assistant and/or
the Building Inspector of the Village of Pittsford or his assistant.
Written notice given by personal service upon the addressee or given
by United States Mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person to be notified
at his last known address. Service of such "notice" shall be effective upon
the completion of personal service or upon the placing of the same in the
custody of the United States Postal Service.
Any person who owns, leases, contracts for or otherwise obtains a
fire alarm system.
A.
The Fire Marshal shall obtain on a weekly basis from
the Fire District the avoidable alarms received by the Fire District.
B.
The Fire Marshal shall notify the owner in writing of
the fact of the avoidable alarm, and that subsequent avoidable alarms will
result in fines as provided in this article.
C.
The Fire Marshal shall maintain a file of all such written
notices to owners concerning the first avoidable alarm.
A.
For the second avoidable alarm within two years, the
owner shall be subject to a fine of $100.
B.
For the third avoidable alarm within two years, the owner
shall be subject to a fine of $200.
C.
For each avoidable alarm thereafter within two years,
the owner shall be subject to a fine of $300.
D.
The Fire Marshal shall issue appearance tickets to owners
in violation of this article.
