The New Alarm Ordinance is in effect as of July 1, 2010. The Alarm Administrators are receiving and processing alarm registrations.
Alarm permits for alarm owners and alarm businesses already registered with the County will be valid until December 30, 2011.
A “new and improved” False Alarm Ordinance has been adopted by the Spartanburg County Council in their continuing efforts with Sheriff Chuck Wright to decrease the number of false alarms in the unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance was changed to be less restrictive. Under this Ordinance, we can improve the effectiveness of our law enforcement services and maximize resources available to the public. Through education and accountability, the number of repetitive false alarms can be reduced.
A false alarm is any signal or communication generated by or from an alarm system which prompts a response by emergency services in the County and outside any city limits and after an investigation reveals there is no indication of an emergency which would require the need for immediate assistance. Alarms which are cancelled before emergency personnel arrive are not being considered a false alarm.
The Ordinance requires the registration of all alarm systems, registration of alarm businesses and tracking of all false alarms. Two false alarms are allowed in any calendar year at no charge. However, each subsequent false alarm occurring during such a period will have a progressive charge associated with it. Registrations are required to assist law enforcement personnel in determining the exact location of an alarm, any special conditions that may exist, and the names of individuals who alarm users authorize to respond to the location in case of emergency. After July 1, 2010, an alarm that is responded to by law enforcement personnel which is not registered may be cited for failure to register the alarm.
The alarm permits for those alarm owners and alarm businesses already registered with the County will be valid until December 30, 2011. At that time, permit holders will be provided with instructions regarding the annual renewal process.
Information is available at the Spartanburg County Administrative Offices located at 366 North Church Street. Please read all information to ensure proper registration. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office of the False Alarm Coordinators at (864) 596-3202 or (864) 562-4416 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. |
