Amending Code New Chapter 12 Entitled Alarm Systems

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danger to persons or damage to property. "False alarm" also means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or negligence of the alarm user or his employees or agents; but it does not include alarm activation caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by an alarm user or alarm system installer or servicer. (e) "Local alarm system" means a signaling system which when activated causes an audible and/or visible signaling device to be activated only in or on the premises in which the system is installed, operated or maintained . (f) "Notice" means written notice either by certified mail , return receipt requested, or by personal service upon the addressee at his last known address. Section 12-2 . Response to Alarm; Determination of Validity . (a) Whenever an alarm system is activated in the City of South Bend which results in an emergency response to the premises by the police or fire department, the officer on the scene of the activated alarm system shall inspect the area protected by the system and shall determine whether the emergency response was required or was a false alarm. (b) If the officer at the scene of the activated alarm system determines the alarm to be false, the officer shall make a report of the false alarm, notice of which shall be sent to the alarm user at the address of the premises, or at the last known address of the alarm user, if different from the premises address. (c) The Police Chief or Fire Chief, or his designee, shall have the right to inspect the premises to which a response has been made and may cause such inspection to be made at any reasonable time after the occurrence of a false alarm. Section 12-3 . False Alarm. (a) Whenever an alarm user issues, causes to be issued, or permits the issuance of a false alarm, this section shall apply; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to a residential alarm user who is a natural person aged 65 or older. (b) The Police and Fire Departments shall maintain appropriate records of all false alarms to which each department responds . After a department responds to three (3) false alarms at a location on or after January 1 and before December 31 of any calendar year, the department which responded to the scene of a false alarm shall charge the alarm user a user fee for each false alarm response in the amount of $25.00 (Twenty-Five Dollars ) as reasonable compensation for the cost of the department's personnel . eauinment. and