Nuisance False Fire Alarm Policy

What is a Nuisance Fire Alarm Call?

A nuisance false alarm is defined as more than two activations of a commercial facility's fire alarm system within a 12-month period, when such activations are caused by mechanical failure, equipment malfunction, improper maintenance, or improper installation.

False alarms do not include activations that occur as a result of accidental damage to the system or during the testing of the fire alarm system for the purpose of maintenance or repair.

What is the purpose of the false alarm program?

The purpose of the fire alarm program is to reduce the number of non-emergent Fire Department responses that are caused by construction-related activities as well as improper maintenance, malfunction, negligence, or misuse of a fire alarm system. 

To ensure the effective use of emergency services and minimize unnecessary responses, commercial properties that experience more than two nuisance alarms within a 12-month period will be subject to a $100.00 fine for the third violation and for each subsequent violation thereafter.

In addition to these fines, commercial facilities may also be subject to further consequences under the Texas Penal Code. Repeated violations, particularly when no clear effort has been made to correct the issues causing the false alarms, may result in escalated enforcement actions, including written warnings, citations, or other measures as deemed necessary by the appropriate authorities.

All commercial properties with fire alarm systems are expected to maintain their equipment properly and take prompt action to address any malfunction or operational issue contributing to false alarms. Property owners are strongly encouraged to ensure their systems are in proper working order to avoid violations and associated penalties.

City of Victoria Fire Code

Chapter 9 Fire Protection, Article I, Section 9.9 sub sec. 112.5