Tulsa, OK Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Any permitted alteration, repair, or addition
- Also triggers
- Adding a sleeping room
- Placement
- Same as required for new dwellings
- Exempt
- Exterior-only or MEP-only permits
Summary
Tulsa requires carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings whenever a permitted alteration, repair, or addition occurs, or when a sleeping room is added to an existing home.
R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions - Amendatory. 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 replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.2.Installation, alteration, or repairs of electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section. R322.1.6 Protection of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems - Amendatory. Electrical systems, equipment and components; heating, ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing appliances and plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service equipment shall be located at least one (1) foot above the elevation required in Section R322.2. If replaced as part of a substantial improvement, electrical systems, equipment and components; heating, ventilating, air conditioning; plumbing appliances and plumbing fixtures; duct systems; and other service equipment shall meet the requirements of this section. Systems, fixtures, and equipment and components shall not be mounted on or penetrate through walls intended to break away under flood loads.
Full Breakdown
Under the city's amended residential code, any permitted alteration, repair, or addition triggers a carbon monoxide alarm requirement for the whole dwelling unit, placed exactly where alarms are required in new construction. Adding or creating a sleeping room in an existing home triggers the same duty even without other work. Purely exterior work like roofing, siding, window, door, porch, or deck replacement is exempt, as are standalone electrical, plumbing, or mechanical repairs.
Violations & Fines
Building inspectors enforce compliance at final inspection under Title 51; occupancy or final sign-off on the permitted work can be withheld until alarms are installed as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a new roof require adding CO alarms?
What if I just add a bedroom?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle carbon monoxide detectors.