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Denton, TX Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
Permitted work or new bedroom
Code section
IRC Sec. R315.2.2 (Denton-amended)
Placement rule
Same as new dwellings
Exempt work
Exterior-only porch, deck, plumbing
Enforced by
Denton building inspections

Summary

Denton requires carbon monoxide alarms in existing dwellings whenever a permitted alteration, repair, or addition occurs, or whenever a bedroom is added, with alarms placed the same way as in new construction.

R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Exceptions:

1.Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the addition of a porch or deck.2.Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing systems when all such work occurs on the exterior of dwellings, such as water or sewer lines, or lawn irrigation systems.3.Installation, alteration or repairs of mechanical systems that are not fuel fired.12.Section R322.1 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

Under the city's amended 2021 International Residential Code, Section R315.2.2 requires that once a permit-triggering alteration, repair, or addition happens -- or a sleeping room is added or created -- in an existing dwelling, the whole unit must get carbon monoxide alarms installed in the locations required for new dwellings. The city carved out exceptions for exterior-only work: porch or deck additions, exterior plumbing (water, sewer, or irrigation lines), and repairs to non-fuel-fired mechanical systems don't trigger the alarm requirement.

Violations & Fines

Building inspectors can withhold final inspection sign-off or a certificate of occupancy on permitted work until the required carbon monoxide alarms are installed and verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding a bedroom to my Denton house require a CO alarm?
Yes. Creating or adding any sleeping room in an existing dwelling requires carbon monoxide alarms for the whole unit, placed as required for new dwellings.
Do I need a CO alarm just for replacing my deck?
No. Exterior-only work like porch or deck additions, and exterior-only plumbing or irrigation work, is exempted from triggering the requirement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denton

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All Denton rules

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