§ 13-11-201. DEFINITIONS.

(a)

In general. In this subtitle the following words have the meaning indicated.

(b)

Administrative Officer. "Administrative Officer" means the Administrative Officer or the Administrative Officer's designee.

(c)

Alarm location. "Alarm location" means:

(1)

A single premises served by an alarm system; or

(2)

Each tenancy, if served by a separate alarm system in a multi-tenant property.

(d)

Alarm system.

(1)

"Alarm system" means a device or series of devices that emits, transmits, or relays an:

(i)

Audible, visual, or electronic alarm signal which is electronically programmed to cause contact with police personnel or summon police personnel; or

(ii)

Audible or visual alarm signal which results in a police response at the alarm system user's property when activated.

(2)

"Alarm system" does not include:

(i)

A device or series of devices installed in a vehicle as defined in the Transportation Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(ii)

The telephone lines that carry these signals.

(e)

Alarm system contractor. "Alarm system contractor" means a person engaged in the business of installing, maintaining, altering, inspecting, administering, selling, or servicing alarm systems.

(f)

Alarm system monitor.

(1)

"Alarm system monitor" means any person engaged in the business of monitoring alarm systems for the purpose of reporting activations of an alarm system to the Police Department.

(2)

"Alarm system monitor" does not include government agencies, public safety agencies, or health services organizations that:

(i)

Are required by National Fire Protection Association Guidelines to have fire alarms; and

(ii)

Have alarms that are received in the Baltimore County Communications Center by direct telephone line.

(g)

Alarm system user. "Alarm system user" means an owner or lessor of an alarm system.

(h)

Commercial alarm system user. "Commercial alarm system user" means an alarm system user that is required to pay personal property taxes under Article 11 of the Code.

(i)

False alarm.

(1)

"False alarm" means any alarm signal:

(i)

That is electronically programmed to summon police personnel or that results in a police response to the alarm system user's property; and

(ii)

For which there is no evidence found, after reasonable investigation, of criminal activity, property damage, or medical emergency which would justify a police response.

(2)

"False alarm" does not include:

(i)

An alarm signal that is canceled by the alarm system monitor or the alarm system user prior to the time the responding police officer arrives at the alarm location; or

(ii)

An alarm signal that occurs within 10 days after the original alarm installation by an alarm system user registered with the Administrative Officer.

(j)

Landlord. "Landlord" means the owner of a rental property or if the owner employs a leasing agent, the leasing agent.

(k)

Residential alarm system user. "Residential alarm system user" means an alarm system user that is not a commercial alarm system user.

(l)

Police personnel. "Police personnel" means Baltimore County police officers.

(m)

Unit. "Unit" means the Baltimore County Alarm Reduction Unit.

(1988 Code, § 2-426) (Bill No. 145-97, § 1, 1-26-1998; Bill No. 81-01, § 1, 12-1-2001; Bill No. 105-00, §§ 3, 4, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 73-03, § 13, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 107-10, §§ 1 - 3, 1-3-2011)