(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) "Battery-charged fence security system" means an alarm security system that includes a fence, a battery-operated energizer connected to the fence and intended to periodically deliver voltage impulses to the fence, a battery- charging device used exclusively to charge the battery, and any other ancillary components and attached equipment. (ii) "Battery-charged fence security system" does not include: 1. deer fencing; 2. livestock fencing; or 3. a wireless security system as defined in § 19-901 of this subtitle. (3) "Deer fencing" means fencing that is engineered to exclude or contain deer or elk. (b) This section applies only to a battery-charged fence security system that: (1) interfaces with a monitored alarm device in a manner that enables the alarm system to transmit a signal intended to alert the owner of the battery-charged fence security system or law enforcement; (2) has an energizer that: (i) is powered by a commercial storage battery that provides not more than 12 volts of direct current; and (ii) meets the standards set forth in the International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60335-2-76, current edition; (3) is located: (i) behind a nonelectric perimeter fence or wall that is at least 5 feet tall; and (ii) on property that is not zoned as residential use only; (4) is not taller than 10 feet or 2 feet taller than the height of the perimeter fence or wall, whichever is taller; and (5) is marked with warning signs posted conspicuously on the fence at 30-foot intervals that state: "warning - electric fence". (c) (1) A local government may: (i) require a person who provides a battery-charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm business registration or permit; (ii) require a person who operates or causes to be operated a battery-charged fence security system to comply with a local alarm ordinance or obtain an alarm system registration or permit; (iii) require an installer, on completion of a newly installed battery-charged fence security system, to submit to the local government an affidavit that includes: 1. the address of the installation; 2. the name of the installer; 3. the date of the installation; and 4. an affirmation that the criteria in subsection (b) of this section are satisfied; and (iv) inspect the newly-installed battery-charged fence security system after receipt of an affidavit under item (iii) of this paragraph, if required. (2) If, following an inspection conducted by a local government under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, a battery-charged fence security system fails to comply with the criteria required under subsection (b) of this section, a local government may: (i) issue a citation: 1. describing the specific noncompliance; and 2. requiring that the battery-charged fence security system be made compliant within a time period required by the local government; and (ii) impose, if a battery-charged fence security system is not made compliant, a fine not exceeding $500. (3) A local government may not: (i) impose additional installation or operational requirements; (ii) require a person described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to obtain an electrical permit; (iii) prohibit the use of a battery-charged fence security system that is intended to be used for security; or (iv) require additional permits or fees other than those described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. (d) Battery-charged fence security systems are not exempt from Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.
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