9.13.030 Alarm user permit requirements and fees

9.13.030 Alarm user permit requirements and fees.

1. An alarm user shall not operate, or cause to be operated, any alarm system without a valid alarm permit. A separate alarm permit is required for each alarm site having a distinct address or business name. A separate alarm permit is required for each alarm site with the same address having a distinct and separate alarm system (i.e., detached shops or garages on residential property). The initial alarm permit fee must be collected by the alarm installation company from the alarm user. The permit fee and application form shall be sent to the Alarm Administrator within 10 days after any alarm system installation or alarm system takeover.

Owners of local alarm systems are required to adhere to this chapter and are subject to all fees (including service fees), suspensions, penalties or other requirements that are applicable.

The fee for a new initial alarm permit shall be collected by the alarm installation company and an alarm permit renewal fee shall be collected by the alarm agreement holding company.

2. Alarm Fees. Permit, renewal, senior rate, physically disabled and other fees for an alarm permit or an alarm permit renewal shall be collected by the alarm agreement holding company and shall be as set forth in the City’s fee schedule.

a. Residential alarm users aged 60 years and older may be charged a senior rate. In order to qualify for the senior rate, applicants must provide proof of age, be listed as the property owner or lessee and must have the alarm contract in his or her name.

b. In order to qualify for the physically disabled rate, applications must be in accordance with RCW 46.19.060.

3. Refunds. No refund of a permit or permit renewal fee will be made.

a. Any alarm system which was installed before the effective date of this chapter must be registered and a permit fee collected by the alarm agreement holding company 60 days after the effective date of this chapter. An alarm installation company or monitoring company shall, within 30 days after being notified in writing from the Alarm Administrator, provide a list of existing alarm users in the City of Lakewood to the Alarm Administrator to include name, address, billing address, and telephone number in a manner decided upon by the Alarm Administrator. Included shall be the permit fee for each of their alarm user customers.

b. The alarm agreement company may through a mutual written agreement have another alarm company provide the alarm user’s list and collect the alarm permit fee.

c. Failure to comply and provide customer lists to the Alarm Administrator, as required, will result in a fine, the amount of which is set forth in the City’s fee schedule, per working day (after the initial 30-day notice expires, i.e., day 31) until the alarm installation company or monitoring company complies with the requirement. Failure to comply will also result in automatic suspension of their alarm permit.

5. New Alarm Systems. Any alarm installation company that installs an alarm system on premises within the City of Lakewood after the effective date of this chapter must notify the Alarm Administrator within 10 days after the date of installation and provide the name, address, billing address, and telephone number of the alarm user and a copy of the customer false alarm prevention checklist as well as any appropriate registration permit fee collected from the alarm user. The failure to notify in accordance with terms of this subsection shall result in an administrative penalty as set forth in the City’s fee schedule against the alarm installation company.

6. Upon receipt of a completed alarm permit application form and the alarm permit fee, the Alarm Administrator shall authorize response to the applicant unless:

a. The applicant has failed to pay a false alarm fee or fine assessed under this chapter.

b. An alarm permit for the alarm site has been suspended, and the violation causing the suspension has not been corrected.

7. Upon receipt of the permit application form and fee, the Alarm Administrator shall authorize response to the alarm user, which is valid for a one-year period. Renewal permits are valid for a one-year period from the date of initial issuance.

8. Government entities, including but not necessarily limited to the City of Lakewood and Clover Park School Districts, must obtain permits for all alarm systems on their property under their control within the City of Lakewood, but are exempt from payment of permit and renewal fees. [Ord. 664 § 1, 2017; Ord. 526 § 2, 2010.]