Chapter 7 · Fire
Article 4. False or Nuisance Fire Alarms
7-401 Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)False Alarm — Any activation of a fire alarm system that results in an emergency response when no actual fire, smoke, or hazard exists.
(b)Nuisance Alarm — Any fire alarm activation caused by system malfunctions, improper maintenance, employee error, construction work, or other non-emergency activities that do not require fire department intervention.
(c)Commercial Property — Any non-residential building, structure, or premises subject to city licensing, permits, or commercial use regulations.
(Ord. 1186)
7-402 Nuisance fire alarm regulations.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any commercial property within the City of Yates Center to generate three (3) or more false alarms or nuisance alarms within any consecutive 365-day period.
(b)The Fire Department shall maintain records of all alarm activations, and upon the third false or nuisance alarm within a 365-day period, the property owner shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Section 7-403.
(Ord. 1186)
7-403 Penalties for excessive false alarms.
(a)A fine of $500 and/or a 30-day jail sentence may be imposed upon the property owner upon the third false or nuisance alarm in a 365-day period.
(b)Each subsequent false or nuisance alarm beyond the third within the same 365-day period shall be subject to an additional fine of $1,000 per occurrence.
(Ord. 1186)
7-404 Collection of fines and enforcement.
(a)Any fine not paid within ninety (90) days of issuance shall be assessed as a special charge against the property and added to the owner's property taxes.
(b)At any time a fine remains unpaid beyond ninety (90) days, the property owner shall be ineligible to:
(1)Conduct business within the City of Yates Center.
(2)Obtain or renew a certificate of occupancy for the subject property.
(3)Receive or renew any city-issued license or permit applicable to the property or business operation.
(c)If fines remain unpaid for more than ninety (90) days, the owner shall be required to reapply for all revoked or denied permits and licenses upon full settlement of outstanding fines.
(Ord. 1186)