"False Fire alarm" means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, accident, mis-operation, malfunction, misuse, or the negligence of either the alarm user, operator or agent, or any of their employees or agents. False alarms shall not include alarms caused by acts of God, the malfunction of telephone or electrical lines, circuits or other causes which are beyond the control of the alarm user, operator or agent.
False alarms are accumulated during a permit year:
False Fire Alarm Penalty
1st False Alarm: No Charge
2nd False Alarm: $50.00
3rd+ False Alarm: $100
Appeals Process. Assessments of civil penalties and other enforcement decisions made under this article may be appealed by filing a written notice of appeal with the city police department within ten days after the date of notification of the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decision. The failure to give notice of appeal within this time period shall constitute a waiver of the right to contest the assessment of penalties or other enforcement decision. Appeals shall be heard through an administrative process established by the city. The hearing officer's decision is subject to review in the circuit court.
Appeal standard. The hearing officer shall review an appeal from the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decisions using a preponderance of the evidence standard. Notwithstanding a determination that the preponderance of the evidence supports the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decision, the hearing officer shall have the discretion to dismiss or reduce civil penalties or reverse any other enforcement decision where warranted.