Council approves nuisance‑alarm deterrent ordinance after staff outlines costs and problem addresses

Kennewick City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance April 15 to create a nuisance alarm deterrent program aimed at reducing repeated false or nonemergency fire-alarm responses.

The ordinance (amending KMC sections 9.48.010 and 9.48.020) passed on a 7–0 vote after staff presented data on repeat alarm locations and the operational costs of nonemergency responses.

Why it matters: staff said repeated responses to a small number of addresses drive staff time and expense. The fire chief reported that sending a staffed unit for about an hour on an inactivated alarm could cost roughly $400; private alarm‑system technician service calls were quoted at about $220 for an hour. The chief also reported that nine specific addresses accounted for roughly 72 responses in the period reviewed.

Council discussion focused on implementation and outreach. Council Member Trumbo said the $400 figure ‘‘is a pretty good deterrent.’’ Council and staff discussed a rollout and communication plan; staff proposed a two‑ to three‑month implementation window to notify businesses and property owners. Council members said staff should focus outreach on the nine addresses with the highest call volume.

Action details: motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Council Member Neubauer and seconded by Council Member Beauchamp; the ordinance passed unanimously, 7–0.

What’s next: staff will proceed with the implementation schedule and target outreach to repeat-address properties as part of the deterrent program.

Sources: Kennewick City Council meeting, April 15, 2025. Costs and counts cited were presented by Kennewick Fire Department staff during the meeting.