(a) Each family dwelling unit located within the City shall have smoke detectors installed as hereinafter provided. Such smoke detectors shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion, shall provide a suitable audible alarm thereof, and shall be certified as having met Underwriters' Laboratories Standard Number 217 for single and multiple station smoke detectors.
(b) In existing one and two-family dwellings, any structural change of a value in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall also include smoke detectors as required by this section.
(c) All newly constructed dwellings shall have smoke detectors installed in one of the following manners
(1) Wired direct (hard-wired) to the dwelling's power supply;
(2) Powered by a self-monitored battery; or
(3) Operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug restrainer device, provided the outlet is not controlled by any switch other than the main power supply.
All smoke detectors that are wired directly to the dwelling's power supply (hard-wired) shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
(d) At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect each level of the dwelling, including, but not limited to, the cellar, basement, first floor and second floor. All smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions as to the location and installation. When actuated, the smoke detector shall provide a suitable alarm audible throughout the level of installation.
(e) In existing dwelling units larger than two-family, any structural change of a value in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) shall include the installation of smoke detectors. At least one smoke detector shall be installed in each unit, located to provide the maximum protection for the occupant.
(f) At every change of occupancy of every dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, rental, lease or sublease of such unit, the grantor, seller, landlord, lessor or sublessor, or his or her agent, shall certify, before occupancy, to the new occupant that all smoke detectors as required by this section or other applicable laws are installed and in proper working condition.
(g) In all dwelling units the occupant shall be responsible for replacing the battery in battery operated smoke detectors. In multifamily dwellings, the property owners shall be responsible for all maintenance other than normal battery replacement.
(h) A tenant may not remove or render a smoke detector inoperative.
(i) As an alternative to self-contained smoke detectors, an approved fire detection system may be installed. Each fire detection system must be individually approved and a permit issued therefor by the City.
(j) This section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of Ohio Fire Code Section F-411.0 (Residential Smoke Detectors) and Ohio Basic Building Code Section 1019.0 (Smoke Control Systems), which sections are hereby incorporated in this section by reference. However, if there is any conflict between such sections, the more stringent shall apply.
(Ord. 87-33. Passed 10-22-87.)