Major Points

The following is a summary of the major points of the Alarm Ordinance, Number 2345.

1. All alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with all applicable standards and requirements of the building code and applicable established standards as required by the City of Santa Rosa.
2. All audible alarm systems, when activated, shall automatically cease transmitting within 20 minutes.
3. Upon request of the police department, a user or designated representative shall respond within one hour.
4. It is unlawful to use any taped or otherwise recorded message to report a police or fire emergency to the City of Santa Rosa Communications Center.
5. It is a misdemeanor for any person to install, possess, operate, use, service, or maintain any alarm system without a valid permit. In addition, permits are non-transferable.
6. Permits may be denied on the following grounds:
   1. The alarm system is deficient.
   2. The applicant or applicant's agent has knowingly made any false, misleading fraudulent statements of material fact.
   3. Applicant has had a similar type permit previously revoked.
   4. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
7. Permits issued pursuant to this division shall be renewed annually.
8. Any change in ownership in a business shall require a new permit.
9. Permits shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous location.
10. The permittee shall be responsible for any service, test, repair, maintenance, adjustment, or installation, which might actuate a false alarm on a particular alarm system.
11. Newly installed alarms shall be granted a 15-day grace period in which to rectify system problems.
12. Grounds for revocation are:
    1. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
    2. Excessive false alarms as defined by established regulations.
    3. Any false, misleading, or fraudulent statement of material fact.
    4. Failure of the permittee or representative to respond within one hour when requested by the police department.
13. If a permit is revoked, the permittee has ten days following such notice to offer evidence to the Chief of Police why it should not be revoked.
14. Any person whose application for a permit is denied, or whose permit is revoked, may appeal to City Council within 15 days from the date of the mailing of the notice.