(a) All devices, combinations of devices and equipment required herein are to be installed in conformance with the Building Codes adopted by the City and this section and shall be of a type approved by the Fire Chief. A suitable type detector, specifically designed and marketed for the hearing impaired, which is equipped with an additional strobe-light alarm feature, shall be provided for residents so impaired, as required herein. For the purpose of installation and maintenance only, the applicable sections of the most current edition NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, shall be considered accepted engineering practice.
(b) In new residential buildings and existing buildings where smoke detectors or carbon monoxide (CO) detectors have been tampered with or where major renovations are performed (major renovations is defined as renovations is defined as renovations exceeding more than fifty percent (50%) of the value of the structure at the time of renovation), smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, if required, shall be wired directly (hard-wired) to the building’s power supply. In existing one-family, two-family, three family, rooming units and multiple-family dwellings, it is preferred that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, if required, be wired directly to the power supply. However, smoke detectors may be powered by self- monitoring battery or operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug restraining device, provided that outlet is not controlled by any switch other than the main supply. Any battery- powered smoke detectors required and installed after the effective date of this ordinance shall be of the tamperproof type in which the long-life battery packs are sealed within the detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors which are not wired directly to the building’s power supply must be operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug-restraining device, provided the outlet is not controlled by any switch other than the main power supply. Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors with a digital rad out are preferred. Single use, battery-powered carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are not acceptable. (Ord. 24-97. Passed 6-16-1997.)