(a) The owner of each new and existing one, two or three-family dwelling unit shall, after the effective date of this section (Ordinance 13-86, passed April 15, 1986), install smoke detectors as hereinafter provided. At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect each sleeping area, and there shall be at least one smoke detector installed on each level of the dwelling, i. e. the cellar, basement, first floor and second floor.
(b) The owner of all existing dwelling units greater than three-family shall have installed a minimum of one smoke detector in each sleeping area or room.
(c) 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 to having met Underwriters' Laboratories Standards No. 217 for single and multiple-station smoke detectors. All smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions as to location and installation where such directions do not conflict with this section. A sleeping area is defined as the area or areas of the family unit in which the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. Where bedrooms or rooms ordinarily used for sleeping rooms are separated by other use areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, but not bathrooms or closets, they shall be considered as separate sleeping areas for the purpose of this section and shall require protection. When activated, the smoke detector shall provide a suitable alarm audible within all of the individual sleeping rooms or areas.
(d) In new dwelling units, smoke detectors shall be wired directly to the dwelling power supply. In existing dwellings, smoke detectors may be wired (hardwired) to the dwelling power supply or powered by a self-monitored battery or operated in a plug-in outlet which is fitted with a plug retainer device, provided the outlet is not controlled by any switch other than by the main power supply. All smoke detectors that are wired directly to the dwelling power supply (hardwired) shall be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
(e) After May 31, 1986, upon every change of occupancy of every dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, rental, lease or sublease of such unit, the grantor thereof, i.e. the seller, landlord, lessor or sublessor, as the case may be, shall certify to the new occupant, before occupancy, that all smoke detectors required by this section or other applicable laws are installed and in proper working condition. This subsection shall not be construed to vitiate or render void any contract, lease or sublease subject thereto.
(f) In one, two or three-family dwellings, the occupant shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of installed smoke detectors, i.e. battery replacement. In all dwelling units greater than three-family, the owner shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the smoke detectors.
(g) No tenant shall remove or render a smoke detector inoperative.
(h) As an alternative to self-contained smoke detectors, an approved detection system may be installed. Each such fire detection system must be individually approved by the Fire Division.
(i) No smoke detector or alternative system shall be directly connected (permanently wired) to the electrical system of the structures unless an electrical permit has first been obtained therefor from the County Building Inspection Department.
(j) This section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 74, 1974 edition, which is hereby incorporated herein. However, if there is any conflict between this section and such supplemental standard, then this section, and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, shall prevail.
(Ord. 13-86. Passed 4-15-86.)