Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with at least one approved smoke detector in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. The detector shall be installed on the ceiling and at least six inches from any wall, or on a wall located between four and six inches from the ceiling.
(A) Every single-family residence shall have at least one approved smoke detector installed on every story of the dwelling unit, including basements but not unoccupied attic spaces. In dwelling units with split levels one alarm on the upper level shall suffice, unless sleeping areas are to be found on both levels, or there is an intervening door between levels.
(B) Every structure which contains more than one dwelling unit, or at least one dwelling unit and is a mixed occupancy, shall contain at least one approved smoke detector at the uppermost ceiling of each interior stairwell, within the dimensions as listed above.
(C) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of any structure to install all required detectors. The owner shall be responsible for making reasonable efforts to test and maintain detectors in common stairwells and hallways. It shall be in the responsibility of the tenant to test and maintain detectors within individual units and to report to the owner any deficiencies. Said report shall be in writing and submitted within seven days of finding such deficiencies. The owner shall be responsible for providing each tenant with written information regarding testing and maintenance.
(D) The tenant shall be responsible for cleaning and replacement of batteries in smoke alarms, except that the owner shall ensure to the tenant that the detector is in working order at the time of occupancy. The tenant shall provide owner access to the dwelling unit to correct any deficiencies.
(E) The requirements of this section shall apply to any dwelling unit in existence on July 1, 1988. Beginning on that date, any such dwelling unit may be either battery powered or wired into the structure’s AC power and need not be interconnected.
(F) In the case of any dwelling unit that is newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially remodeled after December 31, 1987, the smoke detectors required in such dwelling units shall be permanently wired into the structure’s AC power line, and if more than one detector is required to be installed within the dwelling unit, the detectors shall be wired so that the actuation of one detector will actuate all the detectors in the dwelling unit.
(Prior Code, § 92.046) (Ord. 88-5, passed 8-1-1988) Penalty, see § 92.999