In group R occupancies and in dwellings not regulated as group R occupancies, single station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms should emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection. Exception: Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery-operated in buildings where no construction is taking place, buildings that are not served from a commercial power source and an existing area of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the construct of the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which would provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
(Ord. 11091-2019. Passed 5-21-19.)