Johnstown, Pa., city council to consider fire alarm ordinance

June 13, 2008
Residents, business owners could face fines for false alarms

Looking to cut down on wasted time and fuel costs, the Johnstown, Pa., City Council is set to pass a new fire alarm ordinance that would penalize residents and business owners, who trigger more than three false alarms in a year.

The proposed ordinance would require homeowners to pay a $50 fee for each false alarm violation after the limit, while businesses would be required to pay $150.

A stipulation in the ordinance, however, would allow authorities to waive penalties for false alarms if the owner is determined not to be at fault. It would also provide new alarm system owners with a two-week grace period in which to work out any problems.