City of Laurel - Ordinance No. 1346 -

Residential  & Commercial Alarms

(EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 11, 2000)
 
To provide for the registration and regulation of residential and commercial burglar alarm systems and to provide for penalties for the operation of malfunctioning alarm systems.

A. Installation

Both non-residential and residential burglar and holdup alarms must be installed by persons licensed as burglar and holdup alarm contractors.

B. Alarm User Permits

Commercial Alarms – Every nonresidential alarm user is required to obtain an alarm user permit for each alarm system used.

Residential Alarms – Residential alarm users are not required to obtain an alarm user permit but can voluntarily register their alarm system and obtain a permit. The Chief of Police can require an alarm permit be obtained if, within the previous 30 days, the alarm system has transmitted a false alarm and the police department has responded.

C. Application

Each alarm user is required to fill out a permit application form which contains the following:

1. Name
2. Business address or address where alarm is located.
3. Applicant’s address and phone number.
4. Type of alarm system (Local audible, direct connect, silent, central station, etc.)
5. Automatic silence time (if applicable).
6. Name, address, and phone number of alarm business (es) that are responsible for (Sales, installation, monitoring, inspection, response, and maintenance of the alarm system, if applicable).
7. Name and phone number of emergency contact that can respond and open the premises in the event of alarms. Residential - One name required; Commercial - Two names required
8. Any other pertinent information

All information is confidential and restricted to official police use only.

D. Registration Sticker

A sticker with a registration number will be issued and should be placed at the front entrance of the building where the alarm is installed. Renewal stickers will be provided with each renewal.

E. Expiration of Permits

Residential – Two years after issuance unless renewed.

Commercial – One year after issuance unless renewed.

F. Fees

Applications and renewals are subject to fees set by the City.

G. Maintenance and Operation of Alarms

All burglar and holdup alarms will be maintained in good working order to prevent false alarms.

Commercial permit users are required to have systems inspected within sixty days prior to renewal.

H. Operation Without a Valid Permit

First Offense - $100

Second and subsequent offenses - $200

I. False Alarms

Residential - Three false alarms allowed during a single calendar year

• Fourth and Fifth False Alarms - $50 Fine per offense
• Sixth and beyond - $100 Fine per offense.

Commercial - Three false alarms allowed during a single calendar year

• Fourth False Alarm - $100 Fine
• Fifth False Alarm - $150 Fine
• Sixth and beyond - $200 Fine per offense.

J. Suspension / Revocation of Permit

If any alarm user (residential or commercial) in the City transmits more than six (6) false alarms in any one calendar year, the alarm user permit can be suspended or revoked.

Suspensions and revocations can be lifted if alarm equipment is replaced and/or repaired after notification of impending suspension or revocation.

Suspensions and revocations can be appealed. Ô Board of Appeals Ô Circuit Court

Users can reapply for permits if equipment is replaced/ repaired and in proper working order.

K. Enforcement

Sworn police officers and authorized Department of Permits and Code Enforcement personnel can issue municipal infraction citations.

Click here for information on obtaining a Permit & Fees