What is a False Alarm?
A false alarm is an activation of an alarm system responded to by any public agency either through a mechanical failure/malfunction, accidental tripping, or mis-operation/misuse by the lessee or owner of the alarm system, his employee or agent. (Mechanical failure or malfunction caused by negligent maintenance of the system is also included in this definition.) Upon the failure of the Sheriff or Fire department to find any evidence of intrusion, fire, or any other need for cause for the activation, a conclusive presumption of false alarm will be made.
An Alarm user shall be subject to fines, depending on the number of false alarms within a rolling 365 day period, based upon the following schedule:
Residential/Commercial Fine Schedule:
1st & 2nd False Alarm - $0
3rd False Alarm - $100
4th False Alarm - $200
5th+ False Alarm(s) - $500/each
Right to Appeal
Alarm Owners have the right to appeal a False Alarm violation within fifteen (15) calendar days following the date of mailing of a False Alarm Notice, pursuant to VMC 8.44.060. An appeal must be made in writing to the Code Enforcement Division , 200 Civic Center Drive, Vista CA 92084 or via email at codeenforcement@cityofvista.com. The appeal will result in administrative review by the City Manager, or his designee and results of the appeal will be available within ten (10) days of appeal submission. Failure to properly file an appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days shall constitute a waiver of his or her right to an administrative review or hearing and shall constitute the total amount of the fine.