Bristol, PA Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Dwelling units using coal, natural gas, kerosene, oil, propane or wood
- Exempt
- Units heated by steam, hot water, or electric
- One- and two-family homes
- Hallways no more than 15 feet from each bedroom, every bedroom floor
- Multiple dwellings
- Every floor, within 40 feet of unit or sleeping-area doors
- Power source
- Wired with no wall switch, or battery powered
- Penalty (PM-106.4)
- Fine of not more than $1,000, or not less than $100; up to 90 days
Summary
Bristol Borough requires carbon monoxide detectors and alarms in every dwelling unit that burns coal, natural gas, kerosene, oil, propane or wood. The rule sits in § 5-202 of the Property Maintenance Code, exempts units heated by steam, hot water or electric, and fixes distances: 15 feet from each bedroom in one- and two-family homes, 40 feet from unit doors in multiple dwellings.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Alarms. Carbon monoxide detectors and alarms shall be required to be installed in all dwelling units which utilize fossil fuel including coal, natural gas, kerosene, oil, propane and wood. A dwelling unit heated by steam, hot water, or electric is exempt from this requirement. In one- and two-family dwellings, the detectors shall be installed in hallways no more than 15 feet from each bedroom of every floor or level where bedrooms are located. In multiple dwellings, detectors shall be installed on every floor or level within 40 feet of all doors to dwelling units or sleeping areas in a corridor which serves as access to the dwelling units. All detectors and alarms shall either be directly connected to the electrical system of the dwelling with no intervening wall switch or shall be battery powered. Each detector and alarm shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be installed in areas of low air movement. Batteries shall be maintained in operable condition.
Full Breakdown
The carbon monoxide rule is Subsection H of § 5-202, the section where Borough Council amended the International Property Maintenance Code, 2003, for Bristol Borough. It applies to all dwelling units which utilize fossil fuel, and the code lists the fuels: coal, natural gas, kerosene, oil, propane and wood. A dwelling unit heated by steam, hot water, or electric is exempt.
Placement depends on the building. In one- and two-family dwellings the detectors go in hallways no more than 15 feet from each bedroom of every floor or level where bedrooms are located. In multiple dwellings the detectors go on every floor or level within 40 feet of all doors to dwelling units or sleeping areas in a corridor which serves as access to the dwelling units.
Power and upkeep are spelled out too. All detectors and alarms must be directly connected to the electrical system of the dwelling with no intervening wall switch, or be battery powered. Each detector and alarm must be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and cannot be installed in areas of low air movement. Batteries must be maintained in operable condition.
The rule is checked at inspection time. Section 5-501 requires a certificate of approval from the Code Enforcement Officer, confirming compliance with the Bristol Borough Property Maintenance Code, before any change in ownership or occupancy of a dwelling, with an exception for immediate family. Rental units also face biennial inspection under § 11-107.
Violations & Fines
Carbon monoxide requirements are part of the Property Maintenance Code, so the penalty in Section PM-106.4 applies: on conviction, a fine of not more than $1,000, or not less than $100, or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both, at the discretion of the court. Each day a violation continues after due notice has been served is a separate offense. Violations found at a change-of-ownership inspection must be corrected, or assumed by the prospective purchaser with 30 days to correct them, under § 5-502.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bristol Borough homes need carbon monoxide detectors?
Where must detectors go in a Bristol Borough house?
What about apartment buildings in Bristol Borough?
Who enforces the carbon monoxide rule and what is the penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol
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