ARTICLE II. LICENSES GENERALLY.
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Sec. 3-8. Types of licenses.
The types of licenses issued under this chapter are:
(1) Primary alarm business license.
(2) Reciprocal alarm business license.
(3) Alarm agent license.
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Sec. 3-9. License required.
(a) A person desiring to engage in the activities of an alarm business or an alarm agent in the city shall obtain a license in accordance with this chapter. This requirement does not apply to an alarm agent licensed under a valid primary alarm business license in a jurisdiction that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing. An alarm business shall obtain a separate license for each business name under which the alarm business conducts business or advertises.
(b) The license(s) required by this chapter shall be in addition to any other applicable licenses or permits required by the city, county, state or federal government. Persons engaging in activities described in this chapter shall comply with all other ordinances and laws, including the city zoning laws, as required to engage in the activities to be licensed. Failure of an applicant or licensee to meet the requirements of this subsection shall be grounds for denial or revocation of a license.
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Sec. 3-10. Licenses generally.
(a) Licenses issued under this chapter are not transferable between
businesses or persons.
(b) Licenses issued under this chapter are for a period of one (1) year from the issuance date and renewable annually, in accordance with this chapter.
(c) An applicant or licensee shall meet the following minimum requirements, to the director’s satisfaction:
(1) The applicant/licensee shall be at least eighteen (18) years old.
(2) The applicant/licensee shall be a citizen or legal resident of the United States, and eligible to work in the United States.
(3) The applicant/licensee shall not, within five (5) years preceding
the application date, have been convicted of an offense set forth
in article I of chapter 16 of this code.
(4) The applicant/licensee shall not, within five (5) years preceding
the application date, in any jurisdiction:
a. Have voluntarily surrendered any license similar to the license issued under this chapter as a result of or while under investigation, or
b. Have had a license similar to the license issued under this chapter denied, suspended or revoked.
(5) The applicant/licensee’s record shall be free of all reasons to deny an application under this chapter and under article I of chapter 16 of this code.
(d) When any license issued under this chapter expires or is denied, cancelled or revoked, the city shall notify, first by electronic means, all other jurisdictions with a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing. The notification shall be within two(2) work days after:
(1) The expiration or cancellation, or
(2) Any appeal of a denial or revocation is exhausted.
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Sec. 3-11. License application; investigation.
(a) Each applicant shall file an application for a primary or reciprocal alarm business license, alarm agent license, or license renewal, with the director, upon forms prescribed by the director. The director shall not accept an incomplete application. Each applicant shall also provide additional information the director deems to be reasonably necessary to fully and fairly evaluate the license application.
(b) All applicants for primary alarm business licenses and alarm agent licenses, and all applicant’s controlling persons, shall submit to the director a government-issued identification card, with photo. In addition, all applicants for primary alarm business licenses and alarm agent licenses, and all those applicant’s controlling persons, shall either (1) personally appear at the location designated by the director for fingerprinting, or (2) submit one full set of fingerprints printed by an authorized law enforcement agency. This fingerprint requirement does not apply to an alarm agent licensed under a valid primary alarm business license in a jurisdiction that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which
the city has agreed in writing. The police shall process the fingerprints and advise the director of the criminal history within the period allowed for issuance of the license.
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Sec. 3-12. Information update.
An applicant or licensee shall give written notice to the director of all changes to the information submitted in connection with any license application or renewal, within ten (10) work days of the change.
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Sec. 3-13. Fees.
(a) All fees related to alarm business and alarm agent licenses shall be set forth in the current Chapter 3, Alarm License Fee Schedule.
(b) Payment of the application fee is due with the application
submission.
(c) No fees are prorated, transferable or refundable.
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Sec. 3-14. Issuance.
(a) The director has sixty (60) days from the date of completion of all application materials and requirements to either issue or deny any license under this chapter. The issuance of any license is not a waiver of any right of denial or revocation the city may have at the time of issuance or thereafter.
(b) The director shall issue or renew a license to an applicant when the provisions of this chapter and article I of chapter 16 of this code are fully satisfied.
(c) Upon receipt of the fee for a duplicate license, the director shall
issue a duplicate license to a licensee whose license has been lost, stolen or destroyed.
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Sec. 3-15. Non-acceptance and denial of application.
(a) The director shall not accept an application for a license if:
(1) The application shows that the applicant or any controlling
person has been convicted of a criminal action that would be
grounds for denial of the application; or
(2) The director knows that the applicant or any controlling person
has been convicted of a criminal action that would be grounds for denial of the application.
(b) The director shall deny a license if:
(1) The grounds for denial in this chapter or article I of chapter 16 of this code exist regarding the applicant or any controlling person;
(2) The applicant is a corporation that is not qualified to transact business in Arizona;
(3) The applicant is delinquent in payment to the city of taxes, fees, fines, or penalties imposed upon the applicant arising out of any
other business activity owned or operated by the applicant and
licensed by the city; or
(4) The applicant is in violation of any applicable provisions of
ordinances and regulations of the city relating to the business or occupation to be conducted under the license.
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Sec. 3-16. Revocation; appeals.
(a) The director shall initiate license revocation proceedings when the director reasonably believes that grounds for denial exist, as set forth in section 3-15 or in article I of chapter 16 of this code, or that grounds for revocation exist as below.
(b) The grounds for revoking a license include, but are not limited
to:
(1) The licensee is not a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States, or eligible to work in the United States.
(2) The licensee has failed to maintain in good standing all licenses and permits required by this chapter for a license to be issuedunder this chapter.
(3) The licensee’s license has been revoked in a jurisdiction in
Arizona that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing, as provided in this chapter.
(c) Revocation proceedings shall be in accordance with article I of chapter 16 of this code.
(d) Any person aggrieved by a decision to deny or revoke a license
under this chapter is entitled to an appeal under the provisions in article I
of chapter 16 of this code.
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Sec. 3-17. License renewal.
(a) A licensee applying for license renewal shall:
(1) Submit to the director a completed application form and
fee.
(2) Comply with the fingerprinting requirements of this chapter,
except for renewal applications for a reciprocal alarm business license.
(3) Comply with all other applicable provisions of this chapter and article I of chapter 16 of this code.
(b) To assure continued operation without an unlawful lapse in the license, a licensee applying for license renewal shall file an application with the director no later than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the
license currently in effect. If a licensee applies for a renewal license later
than sixty (60) days before the expiration of the license, the licensee shall comply with the requirements for an initial license.
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Sec. 3-18. Reapplication limitations.
(a) Except when the director reasonably determines that a denial of a license is for technical reasons only, the director shall deny, for one (1)
year after the date of denial, an application from the same alarm agent or the same alarm business.
(b) For two (2) years after the date a license is revoked, the director
shall deny an application from the same alarm agent or the same alarm business.
ARTICLE III. ALARM BUSINESS LICENSES.
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Sec. 3-19. Types of alarm business licenses.
The types of alarm business licenses issued under this chapter are:
(1) Primary alarm business license. The city may issue a primary alarm business license to:
a. An alarm business that has an office in this city, or
b. An alarm business that does not have a primary alarm business license from any other jurisdiction that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing.
(2) Reciprocal alarm business license. The city may issue a reciprocal alarm business license to an alarm business that has a valid primary alarm business license issued by a jurisdiction in Arizona that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing.
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Sec. 3-20. Reciprocal alarm business licenses.
(a) A reciprocal alarm business license shall be issued only if the
applicant for a reciprocal alarm business license:
(1) Has a valid primary alarm business license issued by a jurisdiction
in Arizona that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing, and
(2) Meets all the requirements for a reciprocal alarm business license under this chapter.
(b) If the primary alarm business license under which a reciprocal alarm business is issued expires or is cancelled, suspended or revoked, the reciprocal alarm business license in this city shall be cancelled or
revoked (in cases of suspension or revocation) on the date the primary alarm business license expires or the cancellation, suspension or
revocation is final.
(c) After a reciprocal alarm business license expires or is cancelled or revoked, a reciprocal alarm business license may be issued only in accordance with this chapter and article I of chapter 16 of this code. (d) Reciprocal alarm business licensees shall operate in accordance
with this chapter.
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Sec. 3-21. Changes in alarm business licenses.
(a) A change in location of a licensed alarm business within the city shall be subject to the director’s approval before transacting business at the new location. The director shall approve a change in location upon:
(1) Written notice of the new location, and
(2) Compliance with this chapter and all other city ordinances.
(b) Upon written request and the payment of the fee set forth in the current Chapter 3, Alarm License Fee Schedule, the director shall issue a new license reflecting the new location.
(c) To cancel a primary alarm business license in the city, the alarm business shall notify in writing the director and all jurisdictions issuing reciprocal alarm business licenses. To cancel a reciprocal alarm business license in the city, the alarm business shall notify the director. Each cancellation notice shall include the effective date of cancellation.
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Sec. 3-22. Alarm business license application.
(a) Each applicant shall file an application for a primary or reciprocal alarm business license with the director, upon forms prescribed by the director.
(b) With the application, an applicant for a primary or reciprocal alarm business license shall also provide proof, satisfactory to the director, that the applicant complies with the licensing requirements of the state
registrar of contractors. Applicants whose sole business is operating a monitoring agency are not required to possess any state registrar of contractors licenses, but shall provide proof of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listing as a licensing requirement.
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Sec. 3-23. Alarm business display of license.
The alarm business license shall be conspicuously displayed at the
central business office of the alarm business.
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Sec. 3-24. Alarm systems and installation technical standards.
The following standards shall apply to alarm systems sold, leased, installed or serviced by alarm businesses on or after the effective date of this chapter:
(1) All major components of alarm systems shall be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or listed Factory Mutual (FM) approved for fire alarms.
(2) All alarm systems shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation and application instructions using
current SIA CP-01-2000 listed alarm panels and shall be
programmed to reduce false alarms.
(3) All alarms systems shall have a backup, rechargeable power
supply.
(4) Motion detectors and photoelectric beam detectors shall be installed only by alarm agents who have been trained by the manufacturer or in a class teaching the proper installation of such detectors. In addition, such detectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation and application instructions.
(5) Alarm systems shall be designed to alert the alarm user of the possible alarm system problems when the alarm user tests or attempts to activate the alarm system.
(6) Alarm systems shall be designed to deactivate audible sound within ten (10) minutes of activation.
(7) All alarm systems shall be designed to have distinct audible alarm sounds for burglary and fire.
(8) Ionization type detectors shall not be connected to an alarm system without the prior written approval of the fire marshal or designee.
(9) Except for automatic dialing devices on city premises, automatic
dialing devices shall not be programmed to any telephone number in the city government, including, but not limited to the police or fire department.
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Sec. 3-25. Alarm business responsibilities.
(a) Within ten (10) work days after installation or entering into a
service agreement, each alarm business shall give written notice to the director of the date of the installation or service agreement, the name and telephone number of the alarm user and the address of the premises where the alarm system is installed.
(b) Upon completing an alarm system installation or entering into a service agreement, the alarm business shall inspect and test all equipment and take corrective action to prevent false alarms.
(c) Immediately after installing an alarm system or entering into a service agreement, the alarm business shall provide the alarm user with an alarm user permit application and complete operating instructions,
(including specific written instructions, or a videotape presentation of the same) regarding the importance of securing all points of entry, such as doors and windows; how to minimize and prevent false alarms; and how to prearrange alarm system tests.
(d) An alarm business which sells, leases, services and/or monitors an alarm system shall conspicuously place on the outside of the premises a sign or decal identifying the name of the alarm business and the telephone number to call when the alarm system has been activated. The alarm business shall update the name of the alarm business and telephone number shown, to reflect accurate, current information within ten (10) work days of any change.
(e) Any alarm business that has a service agreement with an alarm user shall provide service to the alarm system within seventy-two (72) hours of being notified that the alarm system needs service. Any alarm business that has a service agreement with an alarm user shall maintain a twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week notification system for service requests.
(f) Before servicing an alarm system, the alarm business shall set the alarm system in test mode. The alarm business shall disconnect audible alarm sounding devices from the alarm system before servicing the alarm system, except when the sounding devices are being serviced or tested.
(g) Except for fire alarms, the alarm business shall inactivate any audible alarm within ten (10) minutes of its activation.
(h) The alarm business shall provide an alarm user with a written report each time the alarm business performs any type of service to or inspection of the alarm system. The report shall describe the reasons for the service or inspection, any problems diagnosed and actions taken.
(i) Alarm businesses that install, service or monitor alarm systems shall maintain the following records, as applicable, for inspection by city representatives for two (2) years from the time the service is performed:
(1) The name and address of the owner or occupant of the premises, the name and telephone number of the alarm user, and at least two (2) responsible representatives designated by the alarm user to respond to the premises when the alarm system is activated.
(2) The alarm user permit number of each alarm system installed,
serviced or monitored.
(3) Documentation certifying that each alarm user for which an installation has been completed has received the instruction required by subsection (c), above.
(4) Documentation of each alarm system activation.
(5) Documentation of all telephone calls made to verify an alarm
system activation, including:
a. The date and time the alarm business received notification
of an alarm system activation.
b. The person’s name who received the notification and made
the phone calls to verify the activations.
c. The date and times the verification calls were made.
d. The names and telephone numbers to whom the verification
calls were made.
e. The results of each verification call, including the names of
the persons answering the calls.
(6) A record of all actions taken to correct and prevent false
alarms.
(7) A record of all actions taken to notify an alarm user of each activation of the alarm system, including when notification was
sent, to whom, and by what method.
(j) Alarm businesses shall notify the alarm user of each activation of the alarm system within seventy-two (72) hours of the activation.
(k) The alarm business shall produce its records for inspection by a city representative upon request during normal business hours.
(l) Within ten (10) work days of the change in service, the alarm business shall notify the director that the alarm business has ceased to lease, service or monitor an alarm system, or that the service is being provided by another alarm business.
(m) Within ten (10) work days of an alarm agent change, the alarm business shall notify the director when the alarm business has gained or lost an alarm agent, including the alarm agent’s name, licensing jurisdiction and license number.
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Sec. 3-26. Notification of public safety personnel; response.
(a) Except when the type of alarm system activated may make verification inappropriate (including robbery, fire, duress and panic alarm signals), an alarm business shall verify the alarm system activation first, at the premises, and if no one at the premises is able to inform the alarm business about the activation, second, with the alarm user. The verification shall be made before requesting public safety personnel dispatch.
(b) When an alarm business notifies public safety personnel of an alarm system activation, the alarm business shall provide the following information:
(1) The name and address of the alarm user.
(2) The type of alarm system.
(3) Whether the alarm system is audible or silent.
(4) The address of the premises serviced by the alarm system and the specific location in the premises, identifying the nearest
room and its relationship to north, where the alarm system was activated.
(5) The alarm user permit number.
(6) The estimated time of arrival of the alarm user, responsible representative or alarm agent if requested by public safety
personnel, including the name of the person responding and a description of the person or vehicle responding.
(c) When requested to do so by public safety personnel, an alarm business shall arrange for the alarm user, alarm user’s responsible representative or alarm agent to go to the premises of an activated alarm system within thirty (30) minutes of the request to assist public safety personnel in determining the reason for the activation, resetting the alarm system, and securing the premises.
(d) An alarm user, responsible representative or alarm agent shall respond to the scene of an alarm system activation as expeditiously as safety permits, without unnecessary or unreasonable delay.
ARTICLE IV. ALARM AGENT LICENSES.
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Sec. 3-27. Alarm agent license.
(a) An alarm agent license may be issued to a person desiring to
engage in the activities of an alarm agent.
(b) In jurisdictions that have adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing, an alarm agent shall apply for an alarm agent license where the alarm business for which the alarm agent works has received its primary alarm business license.
(c) The alarm agent license obtained under a valid primary alarm business license shall be valid in all jurisdictions that have adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing.
(d) All alarm agent licensees shall operate in accordance with this
chapter.
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Sec. 3-28. Changes in alarm agent licenses.
(a) An alarm agent who terminates employment with an alarm
business shall immediately surrender his or her alarm agent license to
the appropriate official in the jurisdiction where the alarm agent license
was issued. In the city, the alarm agent shall surrender his or her alarm agent license to the director.
(b) An alarm agent who terminates employment with an alarm
business to transfer employment to another alarm business shall notify
the appropriate official in each jurisdiction where the alarm agent works of the transfer within ten (10) work days of the change. In the city, the alarm
agent shall notify the director.
(c) If the alarm agent license expires, or is cancelled, suspended or revoked in any jurisdiction that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing, the alarm agent shall not engage in activities of an alarm agent in this city after the date the license expiration, cancellation, suspension or revocation is final.
(d) If the alarm business license under which an alarm agent’s license is issued expires, or is cancelled, suspended or revoked, then the alarm agent’s license is revoked as of the date the alarm business license expiration, cancellation, suspension or revocation is final.
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Sec. 3-29. Alarm agent license application.
(a) An applicant shall file an application for an alarm agent license
with the director, upon forms prescribed by the director.
(b) Except for an alarm agent licensed under a valid primary alarm business license in a jurisdiction that has adopted a reciprocal alarm business license ordinance to which the city has agreed in writing, an applicant for an alarm agent license or license renewal shall personally appear at a location designated by the director to be photographed. As of July 1, 2011, an applicant for an alarm agent license shall submit proof that the applicant is, at a minimum, a Certified Systems Installer (C-SI) or Certified Electronic Systems Technician (C-EST). The director shall accept a certificate from the National Systems Contractors Association or other comparable accrediting institution.
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Sec. 3-30. Alarm agent license revocation; reapplication.
(a) The revocation procedures in this chapter shall apply to alarm
agent licenses.
(b) If an alarm agent’s license is revoked solely because the alarm
business employing the alarm agent has had its alarm business license expire, denied, cancelled, suspended or revoked, the alarm agent may reapply for an alarm agent license any time.
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Sec. 3-31. Alarm agent display of license.
Each alarm agent shall conspicuously display his or her license on the outer clothing, on the front of the body, above the waist, with the photo visible, at all times when he or she is engaged in the activities of an alarm
agent. The alarm agent shall display the license to a police officer or other city representative upon request.