REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on Resolution Amending the Municipal Fee Schedule Regarding New and Increased Alarm System and False Alarm Fees; Action on Adoption of Ordinance No. 2012 Amending Chapter 8.40 of the City Code ("False Alarm Regulation") [Council Pillar: Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure]
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara City Code ("SCCC") contains provisions governing the City's regulations of various commercial enterprises; one such regulated enterprise is business and residential alarm systems. The City is permitted to recover the reasonable cost it incurs in administering this regulatory program via its Municipal Fee Schedule. On January 14th, the City Council approved an Agreement with Superion LLC for a new software system to assist with regulation and enforcement of the thousands of alarm systems and false alarm calls that the City receives each year. In conjunction with the new Agreement, the Police Department is requesting an Amendment of the Municipal Fee Schedule to increase, and create some new, regulatory fees related to alarm systems and false alarm responses.
SCCC Chapter 8.40, False Alarm Regulation, exists to ensure accurate, up-to-date information for Fire or Police personnel responding to the alarmed location. It also enables emergency personnel to contact responsible parties and/or alarm repair company representatives should the alarm need to be reset, has a recurring problem, or the site needs to be secured. The proposed amendments seek to modernize the chapter.
DISCUSSION
Amendment to Municipal Fee Schedule
Currently, the City of Santa Clara has 9,144 active permits; 4,702 commercial and 4,442 residential. In 2019, Public Safety Dispatchers received 3,567 alarm dispatch requests; 830 of these calls were cancelled while a police officer was en route, 2,708 were determined to be false alarms upon officer arrival and investigation on scene (e.g. user error, me...
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