A. Section 105.6.6 of the CFC, Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and Related Equipment, is amended to read as follows:

105.6.6 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems and Related Equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit. The fire code official shall require an approved fire alarm and detection system be installed in any occupancy with an occupant load of three hundred or more as an “other requirement” pursuant to Section 907.2 of this code.

B. “Fire false alarm” means an alarm system that emits a light or sound or transmits a signal or message resulting in a response by the fire department when the situation does not require such response. Fire false alarms caused as a result of power failure, power surges, or acts of nature which are not the fault of the alarm user or alarm business shall not be considered to be a false alarm.

C. The fire chief may assess a fire false alarm response fee to an alarm user for each fire response to a fire false alarm. The amount of such fee shall be paid by the alarm user in accordance with Chapter 3.70 of this code.

D. A fire false alarm response fee shall not be assessed if the monitoring company or alarm user notifies fire dispatch within five minutes of the alarm onset that a fire response is not necessary and prior to the arrival of fire personnel at the premises.

E. The fire chief shall notify the alarm user in writing after each fire false alarm. The notification shall include the amount of the false alarm fee assessment for the false alarm, and a description of the appeal procedure available to the alarm user.

F. Any person who is assessed a fire false alarm response fee for a fire false alarm pursuant to this chapter may request a hearing in accordance with Section 15.65.125. (Ord. 5119 § 1, 2023; Ord. 5001 § 1, 2020; Ord. 4997 § 1, 2019; Ord. 4965 § 1, 2019; Ord. 4877 § 1, 2016; Ord. 4739 § 1, 2013; Ord. 4636 § 1, 2010; Ord. 4474 § 1, 2007)