The City of Encinitas voted to increase fees for nuisance fire alarm calls.
According to city documents, the Fire Department responded to 493 nuisance or false fire alarm calls last year.
Now, businesses and residents will be charged for false alarms. First and second time offenders within a year will not be charged, but third-time offenders will be charged 75-dolars, that’s up from 25-dollars. Fourth-time offenders will be fined 150-dollars and fines will cost 500-dollars for six or more false calls.
According to the city’s Code of Ordinances, if a false alarm turns out to be due to negligence, lack of maintenance or unlawful conduct, the city can recover costs from the first occurrence.
(Photo: City of Encinitas)