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Chehalis council removes alarm permit requirements, adds fire response language in code update
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Summary
The Chehalis City Council voted on first reading April 14 to amend Chapter 8.24 of the Chehalis Municipal Code, removing the city’s alarm-permit language and adding the fire department to the code’s enforcement provisions.
The Chehalis City Council voted on first reading April 14 to amend Chapter 8.24 of the Chehalis Municipal Code, removing the city’s alarm-permit language and adding the fire department to the code’s enforcement provisions.
City staff said the alarm-permit program has not been actively administered for several years and that the proposed ordinance cleans up outdated language. The ordinance would remove references to an alarm-permit system while retaining the department’s ability to levy fines for repeated false alarms and, in extreme cases, temporarily suspend responses to intrusion alarms at locations with recurring false alarms.
The police chief explained the permit program originally aimed to get property owners and businesses to fix chronic false-alarm conditions. The permits fell out of use because they required extensive staff time and produced little compliance; staff told council the city now relies on outreach and corrective conversations in most cases rather than issuing permits. The draft ordinance adds the fire department to the section that permits issuance of infractions for intentionally triggering or tampering with alarms, so infractions can apply to both police and fire responses.
Council members asked practical questions about the suspension option — whether it could result in a missed response during a real emergency — and staff said the suspension language is a last-resort tool that has not been used in the city’s experience. The council discussed fines as an alternative to suspension and emphasized the city would notify property owners and work with them before any suspension of service.
A council member moved and another seconded that the council pass Ordinance No. 1112–B on first reading; the mayor called for a voice vote, members said “Aye,” and the motion passed. The ordinance will return for second reading on April 28.
Votes at a glance: Motion to pass Ordinance No. 1112–B on first reading — moved, seconded, voice vote recorded as “Aye,” motion passed; second reading scheduled April 28.
