§ 80.10. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

Alarm system means any device which is designated to be used for the detection of any unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or for alerting others to the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility, or both, or which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated because of smoke, heat or fire, including, but not limited to, audible alarms at the site of the installation of the detection device, proprietor alarms, and automatic telephone direct dial devices or digital alarm communicator systems.

False alarm means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or because of the negligent or intentional misuse of the system caused by the owner, lessee, occupant, or manager of the premises where the alarm is installed, or because of the negligent or intentional misuse of the system by an employee, servant or agent of such owner, lessee, occupant, or manager, or any other activation of the alarm system not caused by a forced entry, attempted forced entry, or robbery, or not caused by fire, heat or smoke; provided, however, the term false alarm does not include an alarm caused by acts of God or by external power failure, a test alarm or an alarm intentionally activated by an owner, lessee, occupant or manager of premises who visually observed or heard suspicious circumstances which would cause a reasonable and prudent person to believe that a fire or a forced entry, robbery, or other felony was in progress at the premises protected by the alarm system.

Test alarm means an activation of an alarm system during maintenance or testing of an alarm system with the prior approval of the chief of police or his designee.

Automatic telephone dialing device or digital alarm communicator means an alarm system which automatically sends a prerecorded voice message or a coded signal, by direct connection or otherwise, indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect.

Required operative alarm system means an alarm system which an owner of premises is required to maintain in an operative condition pursuant to statute, law, ordinance, or rule or regulation of any governmental entity.

Burglar or fire alarm monitoring service means that service provided by the city for monitoring burglar and fire alarm systems.

(Ord. 91-014, § 1, passed 9-12-91)