False Alarm Ordinance Gets Another Revision

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The city of Sandy Springs has once again made some changes to its controversial false alarm ordinance. In response to feedback from alarm companies, Council members at their May 15 meeting unanimously approved modifying the fee structure and changing the city's appeal process.

The May 15 meeting was the first to be held in the Studio Theater space at City Springs.

Under the revisions, the fine for a first false alarm will hold steady at $25. The fine for a second false alarm at the same site was reduced from $250 to $150, and the fine for a third false alarm is $250.

The city notes a monitored address that has more than three false alarms will be ineligible for calls of service for intrusion — or burglary — alarm activations for one calendar year.

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Another change approved by city leaders extends the time a company has to appeal a false alarm from 10 to 30 days. Companies who wish to appeal can file a written notice within 30 days after the date it was notified of a false alarm.

Designated public safety officials provides a review and determination within five business days, giving written notification of the appeal decision. The alarm company can also appeal that decision to the police or fire chief, providing a written notice of appeal within 10 days of the original appeal decision.

Penalties for failure of an alarm company to verify an intrusion alarm; failure of an alarm company to register and/or provide the city with a list of all current alarms in operation within the city; failure of an alarm company to notify the city prior to putting an alarm in operation; and failure of an alarm company to provide a valid permit number remain in effect.

Sandy Springs in April amended its ordinance requiring alarm companies to provide written notification to customers once their alarm company permit has been suspended by the city.

The changes approved at Tuesday's meeting are now in effect.

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