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Rockland County, NY Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)

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

Key Facts

Adopted
1-21-2003 by L.L. No. 2-2003
1-2 family homes
detector within 8 ft of bedrooms
Multi-family/hotels
within 40 ft of unit doors
Existing multi-family deadline
April 1, 2003
1-2 family deadline
before title transfer after 1-1-2004
First-offense fine
$250 (single) / $500 (multi)
Enforced by
Rockland County Health Department

Summary

Chapter 224 requires carbon monoxide detectors and alarms in every one- and two-family home, mobile home, hotel, motel and multiple dwelling in Rockland County. Detectors must sit within eight feet of bedrooms in houses and within 40 feet of unit doors in larger buildings, and owners face civil penalties from the County Health Department for noncompliance.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Rockland County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Carbon monoxide detectors and alarms shall be installed in the hallways no less than eight feet from each bedroom on every floor or level of a one-family or two-family dwelling and a mobile home where bedrooms are located. Carbon monoxide detectors and alarms shall be installed on every floor or level of a multiple dwelling, hotel and motel in Rockland County, within 40 feet of all doors to dwelling units or sleeping areas in a corridor which serves dwelling units. ... For all one-family dwellings, mobile homes and two-family dwellings, the owner shall install in accordance with this chapter within the building carbon monoxide detectors and alarms prior to the closing of title and the transfer of said property to a subsequent owner for such transfers occurring after January 1, 2004.

Full Breakdown

Adopted January 21, 2003 by Local Law No. 2-2003 after legislative findings that carbon monoxide poisoning in homes is preventable through proper detectors (Section 224-1), the chapter defines a compliant device as a UL-approved carbon monoxide detector and alarm assembly with a digital readout of concentration and, if hardwired, an independent battery backup (Section 224-2). Section 224-3 sets placement: detectors go in hallways no less than eight feet from each bedroom on every floor of a one- or two-family dwelling or mobile home, and on every floor of a multiple dwelling, hotel or motel within 40 feet of doors to dwelling units or sleeping areas in a corridor; units may be hardwired with no intervening switch, plugged in, or battery-powered, but not mounted in dead-air spaces.

Section 224-4 phases in compliance: new multiple dwellings, hotels, motels and rooming houses built or occupied after January 1, 2003 needed detectors before occupancy or transfer; existing multiple dwellings, hotels and motels had until April 1, 2003; one- and two-family dwellings and mobile homes must have detectors installed before any closing of title occurring after January 1, 2004. Owners must give the Rockland County Health Department proof of installation on a form set by the County Health Commissioner, who may also adopt implementing regulations subject to Legislature approval (Section 224-5), and the Health Department and Department of Fire and Emergency Services were directed to develop a public-education plan (Section 224-6).

Violations & Fines

The Rockland County Commissioner of Health can impose a civil penalty up to $250 for a first violation in a one-family home or mobile home, and up to $500 for a first violation in a two-family or multiple dwelling, hotel or motel. Repeat violations rise to $500 and $1,000 respectively, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense. No penalty may be imposed until the owner gets notice and a hearing under Article One of the Sanitary Code (Section 224-7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector in my Rockland County home?
Yes. Chapter 224 requires every owner of a one-family or two-family dwelling or mobile home in Rockland County to install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector and alarm within eight feet of each bedroom, and one- and two-family owners must have it installed before any closing of title occurring after January 1, 2004.
Where must detectors go in an apartment building or hotel?
Section 224-3 requires a carbon monoxide detector and alarm on every floor of a multiple dwelling, hotel or motel, placed within 40 feet of all doors to dwelling units or sleeping areas along any corridor that serves those units, either hardwired, plugged in, or battery-powered.
What happens if a landlord skips the requirement?
The Rockland County Commissioner of Health can assess a civil penalty, up to $250 for a first violation in a single-family home and up to $500 in a two-family or multiple dwelling, doubling for repeat violations, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate violation under Section 224-7.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rockland County

All Rockland County rules

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