Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Per State law, every single-family home and duplex must have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. When the valuation (cost of labor and materials) of an addition, alteration, or repair to an existing home or duplex exceeds $1,000, then the property owner must demonstrate compliance with State law. 

• For building permits where NO interior access for inspection is required: the property owner must complete a self-certification form.

• For building permits where an interior inspection is required: the following must be submitted:
  • an 11" x 17" electronic plan digitally signed by the designer/architect, contractor, or homeowner responsible for preparing the plan, showing the location of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with state requirements.

Requirements 

1. Smoke alarms shall comply with NFPA 72 section R314.
2. Carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with section R315.
3. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the permanent building electrical power system (CRC R314.6 & R315.6).
4. All new electrical outlets (including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, receptacles, switches, lighting, etc.) shall be on circuits protected with a combination arc-fault circuit interrupter per the California Electrical Code.
5. Interconnection, where two or more smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms are required, shall be connected in such a manner that actuation of one shall cause actuation of all detectors in the home or duplex unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise with all intervening doors closed (CRC R314 & R315).
6. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed by manufacturer’s instructions.
7. All newly installed smoke alarms shall have a 10-year battery. Smoke alarms shall be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture marked on the unit (SB 745, 2014).
8. Per CRC R314 & R315, the following must be installed: