13-64-151 Smoke alarms – Additional requirements.

   In: (i) all buildings erected or converted to residential use, and (ii) all dwelling units substantially altered, on or after January 1, 2018, smoke alarms shall also comply with the following requirements:

   (a)   Standards for listing and installation. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217-06 and installed in accordance with NFPA 72-13.

   (b)   Required locations. Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained, regardless of occupant load, at all of the following locations:

      (1)   On the ceiling or wall outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

      (2)   In each room used for sleeping purposes.

      (3)   In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

   (c)   Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping area other than a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise with all intervening doors closed.

   (d)   Power source. In new construction, required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system in accordance with 14E-7-700. Smoke alarms shall 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 not required to be equipped with battery backup where they are connected to an emergency electrical system that complies with Section 14E-7-700.

(Added Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VI, § 13)

13-64-160 Smoke alarms – Battery removal violation – Penalty.

   It shall be unlawful for any person to remove batteries or in any way make inoperable smoke alarms as provided for in this chapter, except that this provision shall not apply to any building owner or manager or his agent in the normal procedure of replacing batteries.

   Any person found in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $300.00 nor more than $1,000.00 and/or confinement for a period of not more than six months.

(Prior code § 52-11.4; Renumbered. Coun. J. 4-25-84, p. 6189; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VI, § 14)

13-64-170 Smoke detectors – Intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled – 15 or less.

   Each intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled – 15 or less shall have an approved smoke detection system. Smoke detectors shall be installed in all rooms and corridors, except toilets and closets. The smoke detection system shall be electrically interconnected with the fire alarm system to a central station.

(Prior code § 52-11.5; Added Coun. J. 12-21-84, p. 12140)

13-64-180 Smoke alarms – Hotels and motels and bed-and-breakfast establishments to provide smoke detectors to serve hearing impaired patrons.

   In addition to the smoke alarms required under Section 13-64-140, each hotel and motel and bed-and- breakfast establishment shall provide at least one smoke alarm designed to serve hearing impaired persons, for each 50 units or fraction thereof. If a patron of a hotel or motel requests a smoke alarm designed to serve hearing impaired persons, it shall be the duty of the hotel operator or motel operator to provide installation of such a smoke alarm. For purposes of compliance with this section, a smoke alarm is “designed to serve hearing impaired persons” if it emits a flashing or stroboscopic light signal or vibration to indicate the presence of smoke.

   A smoke alarm required under this section may be either portable or permanently wired to the electrical service of the hotel or motel in accordance with the provisions of Title 14E. A hotel operator or motel operator may require that a patron pay a refundable deposit at the time of providing a portable smoke alarm for the patron's room. The amount of the deposit shall not exceed the cost of the portable smoke alarm.

   Each hotel operator and each motel operator shall post a notice at the place of registration of patrons, bearing the legend “smoke alarm for the hearing impaired available”. The notice shall contain print no smaller than three inches high. The notice shall be posted in such a manner as to be visible to registering patrons.

(Prior code § 52-11.6; Added Coun. J. 6-25-86, p. 31212; Amend Coun. J. 9-4-03, p. 7118, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 11-9-16, p. 36266, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VI, § 15)

13-64-190 Carbon monoxide detectors – Required in residential units.

   Every building of residential occupancy or mixed occupancy having one or more residential units shall be equipped with approved carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with this chapter.

(Added Coun. J. 3-2-94, p. 46875; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. VI, § 16)