Georgia city considering fire alarm ordinance

Feb. 12, 2009
Proposed Cleveland ordinance would charge offenders $100 for first offense

The city council of Cleveland, Ga., is considering adopting an ordinance that would levy fines against residents and business owners who trigger false fire alarms.

The city’s fire department reportedly responded to 27 false calls in 2008, costing the taxpayers between $175 and $225 per response, according to published reports.

Under the proposed ordinance, violators would be forced to pay a $100 fine for the first offense, $250 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense.

The council is expected to take the matter up again at its next meeting in March.