<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Subtitle 6 – Burglar Alarms - Public Nuisance Alarms">
  <section prefix="§" num="6-1" heading="Definitions.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Alarm system.">“Alarm system” means a burglary or robbery alarm system.</para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Audible alarm system.">“Audible alarm system” means any alarm system with an audible annunciator, such as a horn, bell, or siren.</para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Public nuisance alarm.">
      <para num="(1)">“Public nuisance alarm” means an audible alarm system that sounds continuously for more than 15 minutes.</para>
      <para num="(2)">“Public nuisance alarm” does not include an audible alarm system installed in a motor vehicle.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 19, §28A(a)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 97-211</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 02-329</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 22-125</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="6-2" heading="Public nuisance alarm prohibited.">
    <text>A person may not allow a public nuisance alarm to be maintained on any property owned or occupied by that person.</text>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 19, §28A(b)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 97-211</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="6-3" heading="Procedures.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Notice to owner, etc.">Whenever a public nuisance alarm exists, the Police Commissioner shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the person owning, occupying, or leasing the property where the nuisance exists.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Abatement by court order.">
      <para num="(1)">If the notification attempt fails, the Commissioner may request from a court of appropriate jurisdiction an order to enter and abate the nuisance.</para>
      <para num="(2)">On issuance of the order, the Commissioner may use any reasonable means and enlist any reasonable assistance to enter the property and silence the alarm.  The Commissioner shall take reasonable measures to secure the property after entry and abatement are completed.</para>
      <para num="(3)">After entering the premises to abate the nuisance, the Commissioner shall leave behind, in a conspicuous place, a notice to the owner, occupant, or lessee advising of the violation of this section, the penalty, and a telephone number to call for further information.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 19, §28A(d)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 97-211</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="6-4" heading="Penalties.">
    <text>A person who violates &lt;cite data-path="|19|§6-2"&gt;§ 6-2 of this subtitle&lt;/cite&gt; is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500 for each offense.</text>
    <annotation type="Prior Codifications">City Code, 1976/83, art. 19, §28A(c)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 97-211</annotation>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 02-329</annotation>
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
