After lots of discussion, letters and two readings of the proposed ordinance, Springfield Township is ready to levy fines for what officials consider to be excessive false burglar or fire alarms.
The township board on April 14 adopted the new ordinance, along with a civil fine schedule, to be used when residences or businesses within the township have more than three unfounded building or fire alarms during a calendar year.
The ordinance was requested by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, which reported ‘excessive alarms? in several locations.
Earlier in the year, Supervisor Collin Walls sent a letter to addresses which the sheriff’s office documented to have four or more false alarms during the first 11 months of 2004, warning them of the impending ordinance.
Although the Springfield Township Fire Department has not reported excessive false alarms, officials shared concern for firefighters? wasted time and resources, as well.
Under the new ordinance, sheriff or fire personnel will leave a notice for the building owner upon each instance of a false alarm.
Upon the fourth occurrence, the owner will be fined $100. The fifth occurrence will draw a $250 fine, with the sixth and each subsequent incident bringing a $500 fine.
‘Quite frankly there is absolutely no excuse for having more than half a dozen false alarms,? Walls said.
Officials briefly debated whether the fine schedule should be based on the calendar year or the 12-month period following the first false alarm.
The calendar year ‘is the only logical way to keep track,? said Clerk Nancy Strole.
Walls agreed.
‘The supervisor’s office has to keep track of this, so it will be as simple as possible,? he quipped.
‘It’s long overdue,? said Trustee Dennis Vallad.
Walls noted, ‘There are things that happen? to accidentally trigger alarms, such as mechanical malfunctions or problems with animals, so the ordinance allows for an appeal process to building owners cited for multiple false alarms.
Trustee David Hopper said the new ordinance is in harmony with similar laws in other surrounding communities.