Stamford, CT Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Who must install
- Owner of the dwelling
- Older buildings (pre-10/1/1978)
- Hardwired preferred
- Fine
- $90 per violation
- Tampering
- Prohibited, Sec. 70-17(B)
Summary
Stamford requires owners of every dwelling to install working carbon monoxide detectors alongside smoke detectors outside each sleeping area, with hardwired power preferred in older buildings.
It is the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing occupied dwelling to install and have operating smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each dwelling unit as listed below. Such equipment shall be of a type or technology that is tested and certified pursuant to standards issued by the American National Standards Institute or Underwriters Laboratories or any technology approved by the State Marshal. Such equipment may combine smoke and carbon monoxide detection technology into a single device. Warning equipment shall provide a suitable audible alarm thereof, further, they shall be installed by December 31, 2012, in the manner hereinafter provided unless any other provisions of State or Federal law shall require installation before that date.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
It is the responsibility of the owner of each new or existing occupied dwelling to install and have operating smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each dwelling unit. Equipment must be ANSI- or UL-certified or State Fire Marshal-approved, and may combine smoke and CO detection in a single device. In dwellings permitted before October 1, 1978, detectors are preferably hardwired with battery backup, though solely battery-operated units are allowed.
Violations & Fines
Removing or disabling a carbon monoxide detector is itself a violation; fines run $90 per violation under the Fire Chief's enforcement rules, with a 24-hour window to fix a missing or inoperative unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Stamford require carbon monoxide detectors?
Can a tenant remove a CO detector?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stamford
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