Sec. 22-642. Standard for battery-operated alarmed electric fences.
(a) A battery-operated alarmed electric fence is a perimeter fence designed to carry nonlethal pulses of direct current to deter potential intruders that interface with an alarm system, together with the ancillary components or equipment attached to such a system.
(b) It is unlawful to install, maintain, or operate a battery-operated alarmed electric fence in the city in violation of this section.
(c) Installation requirements. The following is required prior to the installation of a battery-operated alarmed electric fence:
(1) Obtain approval of the proposed battery-operated alarmed electric fence system site plan by planning and development services.
(2) Electric, structural and life safety fence installation permit. The installation of a battery-operated alarmed electric fence requires an approved installation permit by the Aurora building division. Installation permit applications shall be filed with the Aurora building division. Installation permit applications must include the following:
a. An approved site plan indicating the location of the battery-operated alarmed electric fence, ancillary components or equipment, and the nonelectrical perimeter fence.
b. Location of the power source and regulating/monitoring equipment.
c. Materials used and height of the battery-operated alarmed electric fence.
d. Materials used and height of the nonelectric perimeter fence.
e. The battery-operated alarmed electric fence shall be installed according to ANSI/CPLSO 60335-2-76, the listing and manufacturer's installation instructions, and this section.
f. A notarized statement by the applicant stating that the electric fence is in compliance with the requirements of this section. Structural and life safety permits and inspections shall be required for the installation. Work must be performed by a licensed contractor with the Aurora building division.
g. Location of emergency access point(s), for existing or proposed gating systems, pedestrian access gates, Knox keypad, Knox key box/switch, siren-operated systems (SOS), and emergency battery power cut-off switch.
h. Modifications to previously approved gating system will require a valid building permit to ensure alterations do not affect existing structural integrity of the existing gate(s), electrical interference with Knox key switch, and/or motorized gating system and/or visual indicator light that may hinder a timely emergency response.
i. Provisions must be made by the installer for deenergizing and maintaining the access gate open with visual signage for emergency access and one or more of the following methods to deenergize the fence:
1. Knox keypad.
2. Knox key box/switch.
3. Key fob or similar device.
j. The system shall have an approved visual signal indicator next to the Knox key switch for emergency responders that indicates if the battery-operated alarmed electric fence is energized or deenergized. The indicator color is not designated. The signal indicator shall be lit when the fence is charged and not lit when not charged.
(d) Electrification.
(1) AC current shall not be used to energize any battery-operated alarmed electric fence.
(2) No battery-operated alarmed electric fence shall be installed or operated with a power source other than a commercial storage battery not exceeding 12 volts direct current, charged primarily with a solar panel; provided, however, in case of inclement weather or other conditions that inhibit the ability of the solar panel to fully recharge the battery, a charging device may be utilized for such purpose if connected in a manner that ensures that the charging device cannot provide a source of power directly to the fence. In no case shall a battery-operated alarmed electric fence be connected to any other electric power source than the battery-charged energizer.
(3) The installation and operation of a battery-operated alarmed electric fence does not adversely affect or interfere with interconnected automatic gate opening systems, siren-operated system, Knox keypad, Knox key box/switch, or a remote gate opening device.
(4) The fence controller ground wire shall not touch any buildings on site.
(5) A cut-off switch shall be installed capable of disconnecting the fence from the controller in case of emergencies, electrical storms, etc. A Knox key box/switch and Knox keypad shall be installed to provide secure access to the cut-off switch. The Knox key box/switch and Knox keypad shall be provided with a reflective marker displayed in an approved location.
(6) Each energizer shall be connected to its own ground system and must not be connected to any other ground system(s).
(7) Two or more energizers shall not be connected to the same fence unless the use of multiple energizers does not increase the overall charge transmitted on the fence and adequate access is provided to the cut-off switch for each energizer from inside the perimeter.
(8) If the electric fence is deenergized the owner may reenergize the electric fence after making certain no first responders or city personnel are inside the electric fence perimeter. The system will be tested as needed and at a minimum during the annual inspection conducted by Aurora fire rescue personnel. If the system is tested and not operational, the fire code official will issue a "stop use order" and the electric fence will not be allowed to be utilized until access provisions are corrected.
(9) The portion or section of the battery-operated alarmed electric fence containing the vehicle access gate shall not be energized when the vehicle access gate is opening or in the open position.
(e) Perimeter fence. No battery-operated alarmed electric fence shall be installed or operated unless it is completely surrounded by a nonelectric perimeter fence that will comply with City Code and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The nonelectric perimeter fence shall be separated from the battery-operated alarmed electric fence between four to eight inches inside the nonelectric perimeter barrier, except for gate openings. The area between the nonelectric perimeter fence and the battery-operated alarmed electric fence shall be kept clear of landscaping, shrubbery, other fences, or material of any kind. The lowest part of the perimeter fence or wall shall be constructed to follow the natural terrain to prevent penetration of the perimeter fence at ground level. No part of a nonelectric perimeter fence shall be allowed to be in contact with the battery-operated alarmed electric fence, except on gates which will have insulated contacts.
(f) Location of battery-operated alarmed electric fences.
(1) Battery-operated alarmed electric fences shall comply with the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
(2) Battery-operated alarmed electric fences are prohibited within 25 feet of any outdoor area utilized for the storage, use, or handling of hazardous materials as defined in the adopted fire code.
(g) Signage. Battery-operated alarmed electric fences shall be clearly identified by warning signs. The warning signs shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Warning signs shall be located on the battery-operated fence at not more than 30-foot intervals and shall read:
"WARNING – ELECTRIC SECURITY FENCE."
(2) The text shall be printed in English and Spanish. All lettering shall be a minimum of one inch high.
(3) The size of the warning signs shall be a minimum of four inches by eight inches.
(4) The warning signs shall consist of a yellow background with black inscriptions and must be kept in good condition to ensure visibility.
(h) Interface with an alarm system. All battery-operated fences shall interface with an alarm system monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The alarm system shall comply with the requirements of chapter 58, article II, which alarm system is designed or used for the detection of unauthorized entry into an enclosed area and alerts the business and law enforcement to respond to an intrusion or burglary.
(i) The property owner that has or intends to install a battery-operated alarmed electric fence, the battery-operated alarmed electric fence manufacturer, and the alarm monitoring entity shall provide and maintain current 24-hour contact information with the public safety communication department of the city to facilitate emergency access by public safety personnel. (Ord. No. 2021-67, § 1, 12-20-2021)