False Alarms

5.3.6.050 Penalty.

A.  Knowingly activating a false alarm when no unauthorized entry, fire or hazardous conditions exist is a violation of the provisions of Mont. Code Ann. 45-7-204, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both.

B. A first or second false alarm during any 365 day period will result in a written notice being provided to the owner, licensee and/or other person responsible for the premises.  A third or subsequent false alarm during any 365 day period will result in an assessed administrative fee of $100.00 being imposed on the owner, licensee, and/or other person responsible for the premises.

C.       Any fee under this article that remains unpaid for 30 days or more is deemed delinquent and may be assessed against the premises as a special charge for current service or, in addition to any penalties listed in this Chapter, the City may refer any outstanding fees, pursuant to this Chapter, to collections by a collection agency authorized to conduct business in Montana.

D.       This penalty section shall not be applicable to residential fire alarms in one or two-family dwellings.

(Ord. 3233, 2021; Ord. 3168, 2017).