New false alarm ordinance in effect in Flower Mound, Texas

FLOWER MOUND, Texas—The Flower Mound Town Council adopted an updated alarm ordinance, which became effective Jan. 1, 2011, the new ordinance is designed to reduce the number of false alarms, and encourage alarm users to provide updated occupant information, maintain the mechanical reliability of their alarms, and properly use their alarm equipment.

The new ordinance establishes requirements for monitored commercial and residential alarms to be renewed annually. The annual registration fee is $35 for monitored residential alarm permits and $50 for monitored commercial alarm permits. The fee is also applicable to residential and commercial alarms that are not monitored, but are audible outside of the structure, which is being protected.

Flower Mound has contracted with ATB Services to administer the program.

A false alarm is defined as the activation of an alarm system through mistake, mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, lack of prudent maintenance or through the negligence of the occupant of the residence and/or building in which the alarm system is located, including their employees or agents. False alarm shall also mean any activation of an alarm system, which indicates a crime or situation other than that which it was designated to indicate. An intruder alarm triggered by an animal from the outside of the building where the alarm is located shall constitute a false alarm. False alarm service fees are calculated on a rolling twelve-month basis: first through third false alarm results in no fee; fourth through sixth earn $50 each; and seven or more false alarms incur $75 each.