(a) General Requirement. At least one approved smoke detector powered by the house electrical service shall be installed in an approved manner in every dwelling unit. When activated, the detector shall initiate an alarm which is audible in the sleeping rooms. For location of single station detectors, see Appendix A, Chapter 11, of the National Fire Codes. However, in existing construction, approved smoke detectors powered by batteries may be used.
(b) Responsibility of Owners. The owner of each new and existing occupied dwelling unit shall install smoke detectors in each such dwelling unit as provided in this section. Such smoke detectors shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and providing a suitable audible alarm thereof. Further, they shall be installed by July 1, 1978, in the manner hereinafter provided. Failure to install smoke detectors as and where required by such date shall subject the property owner to the penalty provided in Section 1620.99.
(c) Location.
(1) At least one smoke detector shall be installed to protect each sleeping area. A sleeping area is defined as the area or areas of the family living unit in which the bedrooms (or sleeping rooms) are located. Where bedrooms or rooms ordinarily used for sleeping 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 purposes of this section.
(2) At least one smoke detector shall be installed at the head (top) of each stairway leading up to an occupied area in such a manner as to ensure that rising smoke is not obstructed in reaching the detector and that the detector intercepts rising smoke before it reaches the sleeping area.
(d) Alternative. 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 must be issued therefor by the Fire Division.
(e) Equipment. All devices, combinations of devices, and equipment required by this section are to be installed in conformity with the Building Code and this section and approved or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
(f) Installation. In new residential dwellings, smoke detectors shall be wired directly (hard-wired) to the power supply of the building. In existing dwellings within multifamily dwellings of ten units or more, the detectors shall meet the multifamily building power source requirements of State law or, in the absence of State law, the requirements hereunder covering other existing dwellings. In other existing dwellings, it is preferred that smoke detectors be wired directly to the power supply. However, such detectors may be powered by a self-monitored battery or 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.
(g) Certification at Change in Occupancy. After July 1, 1978, at every change of occupancy of every dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, lease or sublease of such unit, it shall be the duty of the grantor thereof (i.e. the seller, lessor or sublessor, as the case may be) to 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. Failure to comply with this subsection shall be punishable as set forth in Section 1620.99, provided, however, that this subsection shall not be construed to vitiate or render void any contract, lease or sublease subject hereto.
(h) Permits and Fees. No smoke detector or alternative system shall be directly connected (permanently wired) to the electrical system of the structure unless an electrical permit has first been obtained from the Department of Engineering and Building or the municipal electrical authority having jurisdiction. The City Manager is hereby authorized to adopt a fee schedule for the issuance of such permit, which shall not exceed the cost of administration of this section, subject to Council approval.
(i) Supplemental Standards. This section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of National Fire Protection Association Standards 72-3, 1974, and 74, 1975 Edition, which are hereby incorporated herein. However, if there is any conflict between this section and such supplemental standards, this section and any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall prevail.
(Ord. 17-A-4. Passed 6-21-77.)