Decatur, AL Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2009 International Residential Code
- Amended section
- R315.2 for existing dwellings
- Number of triggers
- Five, any one of which applies
- Exempt work
- Roofing, siding, windows, doors, porch, deck
- Alarm placement
- As required for new dwellings
- Early start penalty
- Permit fees doubled
Summary
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, Sec. 7-56 amends Section R315.2 of the adopted 2009 International Residential Code. An existing dwelling unit must have carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings when work needs multiple permits, a bedroom is added near an attached garage or fuel-fired appliance, an attached garage is added, a fuel burning appliance is installed, or gas service is re-established.
(6)Section R315.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms; Where required in existing buildings is hereby amended to read as follows: "R315.2 Where required in existing dwellings. The individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings when any one of the following is present: 1.When alterations, repairs or additions requiring multiple permits occur.2.When adding or creating a bedroom in an existing dwelling that has attached garages or in which fuel-fired appliances exist.3.Adding or creating an attached garage.4.Installing a fuel burning appliance.5.Re-establishment of gas service. Work involving only the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section."
Full Breakdown
Sec. 7-56 of the Code of Decatur, Alabama, adopts the International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2009 Edition, under Ala. Code § 11-45-8, and Sec. 7-56(6) replaces Section R315.2 for existing dwellings. The rule is trigger-based. The individual dwelling unit must carry carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings when any one of five things is present: alterations, repairs, or additions requiring multiple permits; adding or creating a bedroom in an existing dwelling that has attached garages or in which fuel-fired appliances exist; adding or creating an attached garage; installing a fuel burning appliance; or re-establishment of gas service.
Exterior-only work is exempt. Replacing roofing or siding, adding or replacing windows or doors, and adding a porch or deck do not trigger the requirement.
The gas service trigger connects to Sec. 7-13, which makes it unlawful to supply fuel gas or electricity to any appliance or equipment needing a permit, or one the building department ordered disconnected, until the building department authorizes it. Under Sec. 7-56(1), the code's building official is the building director or other head of the building department, and under Sec. 7-56(3) appeals go to the board of examinations and appeals for the construction industries. Sec. 7-32 sets thirty calendar days after the director's decision to file a written notice of appeal.
Because the multiple-permit trigger depends on permits being pulled, fees matter. Under Sec. 7-57.1, fees for repairs, alterations, and additions to one- and two-family dwellings run off the contract value on the application through the Sec. 7-57 table: $15 for the first $1,000 plus $5 for each additional thousand up to $50,000. Work begun without the permit pays double under Sec. 7-8.
Violations & Fines
Leaving out required alarms is a violation of Chapter 7 and its adopted codes. Sec. 7-4 makes it unlawful to violate or fail to comply with the chapter, counts each day or portion of a day as a separate offense, and doubles permit fees for work started without a permit. Under Sec. 7-10, a permit holder whose work does not conform after notice from the building director gets no further permits until it is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does an existing Decatur home need carbon monoxide alarms?
Does re-roofing or replacing windows require CO alarms in Decatur?
Where must the alarms be located?
Who enforces the CO alarm rule and who hears appeals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Decatur
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