§ 5-2. Definitions.  


Latest version.
  • Unless it is clear from the context that another meaning is intended, the following words when used in this article shall have the meanings attributed to them by this section:

    Alarm businesses means a business for which any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, replacing, moving or installing or monitoring any alarm system or causing to be sold, leased, maintained, serviced, repaired, altered, replaced, moved, installed or monitored, any alarm system in or on any building, structure or facility either privately or publicly owned.

    Alarm malfunction means the activation of security, fire or life alert alarm system which results in the response by law enforcement or public safety caused by mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or lack of proper maintenance, or any other response for which the responding personnel are unable to gain access to the premises for any reason, or are unable to determine the apparent cause of the alarm activation.

    Alarm monitoring agency means any state certified business as defined in F.S. ch. 489 that has the responsibility of monitoring alarm systems.

    Alarm systems shall mean a fire, life alert or security alarm system.

    Alarm system technician means any person who inspects, installs, repairs or performs maintenance on alarm systems pursuant to the F.S. ch. 489, § 489.501, pt. II, and is licensed by the State of Florida or works under a state-licensed alarm contractor.

    Automatic telephone dialing device or digital alarm communicator system means an alarm system which automatically sends a prerecorded voice message or coded signal over a regular telephone line by direct connection or otherwise, indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect.

    False alarm means the activation of any security, fire or life alert alarm system which results in the response of law enforcement or public safety, caused by the negligence or intentional misuse of the system by the owner or his or her employees, servants, agents or any other activation not caused by forced entry, attempted forced entry or criminal act exclusive of alarm malfunctions as defined above. An activated alarm is not considered a false alarm if the alarm is activated due to malicious cause beyond the control of the owner, or to acts of God beyond the control of the owner such as lightning strikes or severe weather conditions.

    Fire alarm system shall mean any mechanical, electrical or radio-controlled device designed to emit a sound or transmit a signal or message when activated or any such device that emits a sound and transmits a signal or message when activated because of smoke, heat or fire. Without limiting the generality to the foregoing, alarm systems shall be deemed to include audible alarms at the site of the installation of the detection device, proprietor alarms and automatic telephone direct dial devices or digital alarm communicator systems. A single station smoke detector shall not be deemed to be an alarm system under this article.

    Key holder/emergency contact means the person(s) designated in writing by the owner of the alarm system as a holder of keys to the alarm system who is thereby authorized to respond to an activated alarm of the owner.

    Law enforcement means the Brevard County Sheriff's Department.

    Life alert alarm system means any mechanical, electrical or radio-controlled device which is designed to automatically send a prerecorded voice message or coded signal through an automatic telephone dialing device or digital alarm communicator system, indicating the existence of an emergency medical situation to which public safety is expected to respond.

    Owner means any person who owns the premises in which an alarm system is installed or the person(s) who lease, operate, occupy or manage the premises.

    Public safety means the department of public safety which includes fire rescue and emergency medical services.

    Security alarm system means any mechanical, electrical or radio-controlled device which is designed to be used for the detection of any unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility or both, which emits a sound or transmits a signal or message when activated.

(Ord. No. 94-20, § 2, 10-18-94)