HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 2 False Alarm Enforcement - SRPage 1 of 2
REPORT TO PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMISSION
To:Honorable Chairman and Members of The Public Safety Advisory
Commission
From:Nicole Dailey, Assistant to City Manager
Date:November 20, 2018
Subject:Security Alarm Systems & False Alarm Enforcement
Recommendation
Review and discuss proposed changes to Lake Elsinore Municipal Code (LEMC) Chapter 9.30
regarding Security Alarm Systems and refer to the City Council for consideration.
Background
On August 14, 1984, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 715 adding Chapter 9.30 to the
LEMC regulating Security Alarm Systems. The municipal code remains in effect today.
However, due to former concerns from the community, for several years the municipal code has
not been proactively enforced.
Each year, public safety costs for the City have risen substantially. Therefore, the City must find
ways to reduce and/or recover costs associated with public safety.
At the direction of the City Council, staff has begun to actively enforce Chapter 9.30 regarding
Security Alarm Systems by issuing warnings and encouraging our residents and business to
take steps to prevent nuisance false alarm calls.
Discussion
City’s law enforcement and fire personnel regularly respond to false security alarm calls within
our community. As a result, both agencies are forced to direct limited resources to these false
alarm calls rather than other priority public safety calls.
Currently, the existing municipal code provides provisions and penalties associated with
excessive false alarm calls related to commercial businesses. However, they were established
more than 30 years ago.
Therefore, staff is requesting that the Public Safety Advisory Commission carefully reviews the
municipal code to ensure it is enforceable and comparable to the provisions of other cities.
Attached you will find the original municipal code as well as a revised version that addresses
Security Alarms Municipal Code
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key amendments to the existing permitting process for those with an alarm, fine/penalty
amounts, and the addition of provisions for residential versus commercial false alarms.
Thus far, provisions related to unnecessary, costly permitting processes and procedures have
been eliminated and have been replaced with a streamlined notification process with the goal of
cutting costs on the City. Furthermore, a cost recovery assessment method is proposed to
replace the current fine system.
City staff, CALFIRE, the Lake Elsinore Police Department, Finance and the City Attorney have
met to discuss potential changes. These entities are currently reviewing the proposed changes.
Upon review by the Public Safety Advisory Commission and these departments, staff will
prepare for review and consideration by the City Council at an upcoming meeting.
Fiscal Impact
The City would expect a positive fiscal impact due to cost recovery associated with false alarm
calls. Cost recovery would vary on a case by case basis.
Exhibits
A – Original Chapter 9.30 of the LEMC regarding Security Alarm Systems
B – Proposed Amended and Restated Chapter 9.30
C – Other City Municipal Codes related to Security and False Alarms