[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Brookfield 11-1-1993.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 82, Alarm
Systems, adopted 4-6-1987.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Ordinance Regulating
Fire, Burglar and Intrusion Alarm Systems."
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the public safety and
welfare by reducing the number of false alarms, providing for the effective
deployment of Police and Fire Department personnel, reducing the hazard to
the public and members of the Police and Fire Departments which occurs during
responses to false alarms and promoting the responsible use of fire, burglar
and intrusion alarm devices.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
To engage in the supplying, installation, maintenance or servicing
of fire, burglar or intrusion alarm devices or systems.
Any device which, when activated by fire, heat, smoke, intrusion
or other cause, automatically transmits a telephone signal or audio or visual
signal to which the Brookfield Police or Fire Department is expected to respond.
Excluded from the scope of this definition or chapter are devices designed
and intended solely to alert or signal any persons within the premises in
which the device is installed.
That person whose name appears on the registration form as the user
or, if there is no such registration, the owner of the premises upon which
the alarm system is located.
An alarm system using a telephone device or attachment that mechanically
or electronically selects a telephone line to reproduce a prerecorded voice
message to report a fire or other emergency calling for Police or Fire Department
response.
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation or the negligence of the owner or lessee of an alarm
system or of his guests, employees or agents. Such terminology does not include,
for example, alarms caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes or other
violent conditions. "False alarms" as defined in this chapter do not include
those alarms which are transmitted with criminal, malicious or mischievous
intent.
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company
or organization of any kind.
No person shall install or operate an alarm system within the Town of
Brookfield until an application has been filed with the Chief of Police of
the Town of Brookfield and a permit authorizing the installation and operation
of said alarm system has been issued by the Chief of Police. The application
shall include the name, telephone number and address of the alarm user and
at least two other persons who shall have access to the alarm system in order
to reset the system or disconnect the same when necessary. Said application
shall contain other information as may be requested by the Chief of Police
or the Brookfield Fire Department. A fee of $10 shall be paid to the Town
of Brookfield upon the filing of the application. However, no fee shall be
charged with respect to applications for the registration of alarm systems
installed in buildings owned or leased by the Town of Brookfield, the State
of Connecticut or the United States of America. Said permit shall be valid
until January 1 of the year following its issuance, unless suspended or revoked
by the Chief of Police. Said permit may be renewed annually by filing an application
with the Chief of Police. Said renewal application shall contain such information
as may be requested by the Chief of Police. There shall be no fee imposed
for renewal applications.
All alarm systems, as defined in this chapter, which sound an audible
signal which may be heard outside of the protected premises shall be equipped
with a device which shall limit the duration of the audible signal to not
more than 15 minutes.
No alarm equipment shall be installed or used within the Town of Brookfield
unless said equipment meets the specification promulgated by the National
Fire Protection Association and the specifications contained within the Connecticut
Building Code.[1] Said equipment must also be listed by the Underwriters Laboratory.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Chapter 541 of the General Statutes.
No automatic telephone dialing device shall be interconnected to any
number maintained by the Brookfield Fire Department or the Brookfield Police
Department. The provisions of this section shall not apply to alarm systems
installed in buildings owned or leased by the Town of Brookfield, the State
of Connecticut or the United States of America. Alarm systems used in such
buildings may be interconnected by automatic telephone dialing devices to
a number maintained by the Brookfield Fire or Police Department with the prior
written approval of the Chief of said Department.
A.
There are hereby imposed the following penalties upon
an alarm user whose system transmits a false alarm:
(1)
For the first false alarm: written notice.
(2)
For the second false alarm within 12 months of first
date: written notice.
(3)
For the third false alarm within 12 months of first date:
written notice and a violation fine of $25.
(4)
For the fourth through the seventh false alarm within
12 months of the first date: written notice and a violation fine of $50 per
false alarm.
[Amended 6-3-1996]
(5)
For the eighth and each subsequent false alarm within
12 months of the first date: written notice and a violation fine of $100 per
false alarm.
[Added 6-3-1996]
B.
The failure of the alarm user to correct the malfunctioning
system and/or respond to this notification within 10 days shall result in
suspension or revocation of the alarm user's permit by the Chief of Police.
C.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section,
a first false alarm occurring within one month after the issuance of a permit
shall not be taken into account for the purposes of this section.
D.
Any person who performs or causes to be performed any
of the following acts shall be subject to a fine pursuant to Section 7-148
of the Connecticut General Statutes not to exceed $100 for each such act:
(1)
Intentional causing of a false alarm.
(2)
Failure to register an alarm system or give notice of
changes in registration information as required by this chapter. Each day
of such failure shall constitute a separate violation.
(3)
Use of an automatic dial alarm or an exterior audible
alarm device in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Each day of such
use shall constitute a separate violation.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the Town, its departments,
officers, agents and employees shall be under no obligation whatsoever concerning
the adequacy, operation or maintenance of any alarm device or of alarm-monitoring
facilities. No liability whatsoever is assumed for the failure of such alarm
devices or monitoring facilities or for failure to respond to alarms or for
any other act or omission in connection with such alarm devices.
Any person or entity aggrieved by the actions of the Chief of Police
in refusing to issue a permit hereunder, in suspending or revoking a permit
or imposing fines for false alarms may appeal, in writing, to the Board of
Selectmen within 10 days of receipt of written notice from the Chief of Police
of said action. The Board of Selectmen shall hear said appeal within 30 days
of receipt of said written notice of appeal and shall render a decision on
the appeal within 30 days following the date of the hearing. The Board of
Selectmen may sustain the appeal, in whole or in part, may dismiss the appeal
and may take such further action concerning said appeal as the Board of Selectmen
deem appropriate. The decision of the Board of Selectmen shall be final and
no further appeal shall be permitted.
This chapter shall take effect on January 1, 1994. Alarm systems in
existence on the effective date of this chapter shall be disconnected and
rendered inoperable by the property owner within 60 days following the effective
date of this chapter unless a permit is obtained from the Chief of Police
authorizing the continued use and operation of said alarm system.
