3-5-3: AUDIBLE ALARM STANDARDS:
A. Requirements Specified; Time Limit: A security alarm system that emits an audible signal that may be heard outside of the protected premises shall conform to the following requirements:
1. Audible alarms shall automatically discontinue emitting the audible sound within ten (10) minutes after activation of the alarm; and
2. With respect to security alarm systems in existence prior to the enactment of the ordinance codified herein that do not comply with subsection A1 of this section, the alarm user shall have ninety (90) days from the enactment of the ordinance codified herein which to make the necessary modifications to the security alarm system in order to comply the requirements of subsection A1 of this section.
B. Penalty: The sounding of an audible signal from a security alarm system that can be heard continuously off the premises for more than ten (10) minutes is a civil infraction and the alarm user, in addition to any other penalties specified herein, shall be penalized by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense.
C. Defenses: It is a defense to a violation of this section that the continuous sounding of the alarm:
1. Assisted in saving a life or avoided injury; or
2. Was caused by a malfunction of the alarm system equipment without the alarm user’s prior knowledge of the cause of the malfunction; or
3. Was activated by an unauthorized entry or criminal activity. (Ord. 5-4-1999, 5-6-1999)