§ 6-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Alarm signal means a detectable signal, either audible or visual, generated by an alarm system to which the sheriff, fire department or other emergency personnel are expected to respond.

Alarm system means any single piece of or assembly of equipment designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure, or facility or for the alerting of others of a medical emergency situation, the detection of smoke and/or fire, the commission of robbery within a building or other structure, or other hazardous situations, and which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated which causes automatic signal transmission to be made directly or indirectly to the county sheriff's office, a volunteer fire department or other emergency response. For the purposes of this definition, the term "alarm system" shall not include a device installed on a motor vehicle or devices installed in buildings, structures, or facilities owned or controlled by federal, state or local government agencies.

Alarm systems coordinator means a person designated by the town council to administer the provisions of this chapter.

Alarm user means any person owning or leasing an alarm system, or on whose premises an alarm system is maintained for the protection of such premises.

Alarm user permit means a permit issued by the town to an alarm user allowing the operation of an alarm system within the town.

Automatic dial protection device means an automatic dialing device or an automatic telephone dialing alarm system, including any system which upon being activated automatically initiates to the county communications center, county sheriff's office or a local volunteer fire department a recorded message or code signal indicating a need for sheriff's office or fire department response.

False alarm.

(1)

The term "false alarm" means the activation of an alarm system summoning the county sheriff's office, county communications center, or fire department, unless law enforcement or fire or emergency response is cancelled by the alarm user or his agent before the sheriff, fire department, or emergency personnel arrive at the alarm location, due to any of the following:

a.

Mechanical or electronic failure;

b.

Malfunction;

c.

Improper installation; or

d.

The negligence of the alarm user, his employees or agents, and alarm signals activated.

(2)

For the purposes of this definition, the term "false alarm" shall not include:

a.

An alarm which can reasonably be determined to have been caused or activated by unusually violent conditions or nature.

b.

An alarm activated during circumstances where the alarm user reasonably believed a situation was present for which purpose the alarm system was necessary.

c.

An alarm activated during other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by the alarm user.

d.

An alarm activated during an alarm system testing procedure, if the alarm user first notifies and receives permission from the user's alarm company, the county sheriff's office and the appropriate fire department, or emergency response department to test the system.

An alarm is presumed to be false when, upon inspection by a member of the county sheriff's office or a member of the local volunteer fire department responding to the alarm, evidence indicates that no unauthorized entry, robbery or other such crime was committed or attempted in or upon the premises which would have activated a properly functioning alarm system, when no extraordinary circumstances were present, or when, upon inspection of an authorized representative of the volunteer fire department responding to the alarm, evidence indicates that no fire or smoke was present which would have activated a properly functioning alarm system.

(Ord. No. O-2000-02, § 1, 5-8-2000)