St. Louis, MO Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- New or rehabbed buildings, fossil-fuel heat
- Single-family
- 1+ detector outside sleeping area
- Multi-family
- 1 detector in every unit
- Standard
- UL 2034 (10-1-1995) or later
- Penalty
- $50–$500 fine, up to 90 days
Summary
St. Louis requires at least one approved carbon monoxide detector in every new or rehabbed residential building heated by a fossil-fuel unit, with violations punishable by fine or jail.
The owner of every new building or structure within the City of St. Louis which is intended to be occupied for residential purposes by a single family and every single-family residential building or structure which is rehabbed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and which is heated by a fossil fuel powered heating unit which is fully contained within the interior of the building or structure, shall install not less than one (1) approved carbon monoxide detector outside the area of sleeping rooms and additional units as required by the Fire Marshal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
City code requires the owner of any new single-family building, or one rehabbed after the ordinance's effective date, that is heated by a fossil-fuel-powered unit fully inside the structure to install at least one approved CO detector outside the sleeping-room area, plus additional units the Fire Marshal requires. Multi-family buildings meeting the same fuel and rehab conditions need one approved detector in every unit. An approved detector must carry a nationally recognized testing lab's label and meet UL 2034 (Oct. 1, 1995 revision) or later. Owners must supply, install, test per manufacturer specs, and maintain the detectors and their equipment. Disabling a required detector is unlawful except for normal maintenance like a battery swap.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 to $500 and/or up to 90 days confinement; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every St. Louis home need a carbon monoxide detector?
Where must the detector go in a single-family home?
Can I remove the batteries from a required CO detector?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
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