ALARM SYSTEM RULES AND REGULATIONS

False alarms often account for many unnecessary police, fire, and other agency responses.
The City of Florence has enacted Article IV of Chapter 14 of its Code of Ordinances to provide rules, regulations, and laws regarding alarm systems within the City limits of Florence.   These provisions apply to any person who operates, maintains, or owns any alarm device designed to summons the police department, fire department, or any other municipal agency response to any type alarm signal.

ALARM RESTRICTIONS

Automatic dialing systems will not be programmed to any telephone number of the police department or fire department.  All alarms, excluding fire alarms, must contain an automatic cut off with reset capabilities and will reset within fifteen (15) minutes.  False alarms are defined as any alarm signal activated by inadvertent negligence or unintentional action of someone other than an intruder and includes alarms caused by system malfunctions.  False alarms do not include alarms created by natural peril such as lightening, thunderstorms, floods, etc.

ALARM VIOLATIONS AND FINES (in any given calendar year)

• First three (3) alarms --- no penalty

• Fourth false alarm --- $25.00

• More than four (4) but less than ten (10) false alarms --- $50.00

• More than ten (10) false alarms --- $200.00

CORRECTIVE MEASURES

Home and business alarm owners should regularly check their security systems for malfunctions and oversensitive contacts.  Make sure family members and employees are trained in the proper use of the system and codes.

Users, operators, or owners must have a qualified repair and maintenance personnel available to respond at the request of police or fire personnel to any alarm, within a reasonable amount of time.

Fines for violations may be waived by the police or fire chief upon presentation of evidence of proof that the alarm occurred through no fault of the owner, that the system has malfunctioned, and a receipt of repair or maintenance is available for review.  Response to malfunctioning alarms maybe terminated by the police or fire chief.

Alarm sensory adjustment may be required by the police or fire chief.  For more information, please call the City of Florence Police Department at 843-665-3191.

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