(a) Owners of all dwellings shall install a minimum of one smoke detector adjacent to the sleeping area in each dwelling unit. At least one additional smoke detector shall be installed on each additional story of the dwelling, including the basement, but excluding any crawl space or unfinished attic. For one or two-family dwellings or multifamily dwellings with one or more split levels, a smoke detector on an upper level shall suffice for an adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. If a door intervenes between adjacent levels, a smoke detector shall be installed on both levels. In multifamily dwellings, smoke detectors shall be installed in all stairwells on each level, in all common space and hallways, in all work areas, in all mechanical rooms, all laundry rooms and wherever else the Fire Department deems necessary. Smoke detectors shall be listed with an approved testing agency and shall be installed in a manner and location consistent with the manufacturer's instructions. Where a dwelling is occupied by a person who is deaf or hearing impaired, and a written request for the installation of a smoke detector is received by the owner from an occupant in the dwelling, a smoke detector shall be installed by the owner which provides a visual or vibrating signal sufficient to warn the deaf or hearing impaired individual when activated.
(b) Hard-wired smoke detectors, with battery backup, shall be installed in any new construction of all dwellings. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnection switch, other than those required for overcurrent protection. Battery-operated smoke detectors may be installed in existing one and two-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings. All smoke detectors shall be listed with an approved testing agency. When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in an existing dwelling, hardwired smoke detectors, with battery backup, shall be installed in the entire building, if it is deemed necessary by a building inspector or a fire official. No smoke detector shall be hard-wired, with battery backup, unless plans for installation have been submitted to, and reviewed by, the Fire Chief or his or her designee and an electrical permit has been obtained from the Building Department. In multifamily dwellings, LED indicator lights are required outside of apartment suites.
(c) Upon change of ownership of a multifamily dwelling, any battery-operated smoke detection system shall be upgraded to a hard-wired system, with battery backup.
(Ord. 21-2000. Passed 1-9-01.)