The Peachtree City Council has put the brakes, temporarily, on an ordinance to fine property owners or tenants who have more than
three false burglar alarms a year.
City Manager Jim Pennington told council Thursday night that while he is in favor of the ordinance, he has come across some new information
that needs to be considered before council makes a final decision.
The matter will be discussed again at the May 19 council meeting.
The ordinance calls for a $50 fine for the third, fourth and fifth false alarms, escalating to $100 for the sixth and seventh, $250 for the eighth and ninth, and $500 for any false alarms beyond that amount.
An alarm system owner can also be held accountable for not registering his or her system, with a fine of $100.
The ordinance could potentially free up an additional 600 to 900 hours of available manpower if the city were to realize a reduction of false alarm calls between 40 and 60 percent, according to the memo to council from Police Chief H.C. “Skip” Clark.
The ordinance would allow for the alarm system’s owner to complete an online alarm user awareness class in lieu of a fine for no more than once each year.
The ordinance would require all alarm system owners to register with the city by Oct. 1, though the city would charge no fee. It also requires certain system maintenance and use standards.
