Avondale, Ariz.'s city council has enacted a new alarm ordinance that is designed to reduce the number of false alarms.
The new ordinance allows two false alarms before a fine structure is established; the old ordinance allowed for three false alarms before moving into a fine. Also updated is the fine structure, with increased fines for the false alerts.
While the ordinance is effective now, the Avondale Assistance Police Chief Lynn Parkin told the Arizona Republic newspaper that the police department will give residents until mid-spring before they begin enforcing the fine structure.