TOWN OF LAWRENCE CODE OF ORDINANCES

CHAPTOR 3 PEACE & GOOD ORDER

3.2- EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS

3.200 PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this chapter is to reduce the incidence of false alarms by eliminating those false alarms, which are preventable or avoidable. It is also meant to encourage the installation of reliable emergency alarm systems in all structures within the Town in order to provide additional protection to persons and property from fire, crime, including burglary, robbery and vandalism, and others hazards that may constitute a danger to persons and property.

3.201 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this chapter, the terms used shall be defined as follows:

False Alarm-A signal from an alarm system that alerts the Police/Fire Department of such occurrence and when activated gives a signal, either visual or audible, or both, and transmits or causes to be transmitted a signal.

Fire Alarm- Any device designed for the detection of a fire that alerts the Police/Fire Department of such occurrence and when activated gives a signal, either visual or audible, or both, and transmits or causes to be transmitted a signal.

Local Alarm- A system that gives a signal, either visual or audible, or both, on the exterior or interior portion of the property, but does not leave that structure to a central control receiving location.

Security Alarm System-Any device designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry on the premises, an unlawful act or any emergency that alerts the Police Department of its commission or occurrence and, when activated, gives a signal, either visual or audible or both and transmits or causes to be transmitted a signal.

3.202 FALSE ALARMS

  1. Special Charge For:

1. After the alarm system has been installed for 30 days, the owner shall be subject

to a special charge for each false alarm in a 12-month period, per calendar year,

as follows:

a. 1 false alarm during a 12-month periodNo Charge

b. 2 to 3false alarms during a 12 month period $150.00 each

c. 4 or more false alarms during a 12-month period $400.00 each

  1. Exceptions:
  1. Municipal alarms
  2. False alarms caused by outside sources
  3. Any Special charge may be waived by the Town Board if the owner can show that the alarm system was properly maintained and the false alarm was not the result of the negligence on the part of the owner, his agent or employees.
  1. Collection of Special Charges- Special charges for false alarms, as provided in

sub. 1 above, shall be billed to the owner and, if not timely paid, shall be placed

on the tax roll pursuant to the provisions of §66.60(16), Wis. Stats.

3.203 GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1. Whenever there is a record of an excessive number of false alarms the Town Board or its designee may, in writing, require the owner to repair or replace the alarm system within 10 days, the Town Board or its designee may order the alarm disconnected.
    Telephone alarm Dialers- Telephone alarm dialers are not permitted to direct dial the Police/Fire Department, except by special permission of the Town Board or its designee.
  1. Motor Vehicle alarms- This section shall not apply to audible alarms affixed to

motor vehicles.

  1. Limitation of Liability- The Town shall not be liable for any defects in any alarm

system or the central board, or any transmission malfunctions or delays.

D. Penalty- Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a

penalty as provided in Chapter 1, Section 1.005 of the Town of Lawrence Code of
Ordinances.