§ 8.18.010. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

"Alarm system" means any device, silent or audible, which is designed to be actuated manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized entry, intrusion, fire, or other emergency, or premises, which when activated leads to notifications being made directly or indirectly to the Porter County sheriff's 911 communications center or to any agency for which the Porter County sheriff's 911 communications center serves as dispatcher.

An alarm system shall not include:

1.

An alarm system installed on a motor vehicle; provided however, that such an alarm system shall be required to comply with the requirements contained in Section 8.18.040;

2.

A medical alarm system;

3.

An alarm system installed upon premises occupied by the United States, the state of Indiana, or any political subdivision thereof.

"Automatic telephone dialing device" means any device connected to an alarm system which when activated automatically dials a predetermined telephone number and sends a prerecorded message or coded signal.

"Knox-box type system" means an alarm system that as a standard feature provides a fire proof safe that is installed outside of a building, structure, or other facility and which permits the responding agency to have access to the fire proof safe which contains information about the facility, its contents, and the alarm system.

"Person" means and includes individuals, firms, corporations, associations, partnerships, consortium, joint ventures, estates, and any other legal entity, group or organization.

"False alarms" means any signal request or similar event, the purpose of which is to summon the police or fire department assistance, but which is not in response to actual or threatened emergency or criminal activity.

"False alarms" include any communications, either directly or indirectly, to the police or fire department either by a central station, intermediary, or signal device, which is in response to a signal or warning issued intentionally or accidentally; negligently or accidentally activated signals; signals which are the result of faulty, malfunctioning, or improperly activated to alert or summon the police or fire department.

"False alarms" shall not include alarms activated by unusually severe weather conditions or other natural causes.

(Ord. 97-26 § 1)