Concord, CA Building Safety: Smoke Alarms (2026)

Smoke alarms in Concord residences are governed by California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and 13114, the California Residential Code R314, and the California State Fire Marshal's listing program. The requirements apply to all single-family dwellings, duplexes, multifamily buildings, hotels, motels, and lodging houses. In dwelling units, smoke alarms must be installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity (typically the hallway), on every story of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics, and not within 3 feet of a bathroom door or kitchen cooking appliance unless the alarm is specifically rated to resist nuisance alarms. For units constructed or altered under a permit issued on or after January 1, 2014, alarms must be hardwired to the electrical system with battery backup and interconnected so all alarms sound when one activates. For older units where alterations do not require new wiring, battery-only alarms are acceptable but must be State Fire Marshal listed and, for units manufactured after July 1, 2014, include a non-replaceable 10-year sealed battery and silence (hush) button under HSC 13114(a). Owners must install and test alarms, and landlords must test and replace batteries at tenant turnover under HSC 13113.7(d). HSC 13113.8 requires the seller of a single-family dwelling to deliver a written statement that the property is in compliance with smoke alarm requirements. Failure to maintain operable alarms is a code violation enforceable by Concord Code Enforcement and the Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and contributes to civil liability in fire injury cases. Alarms must be replaced at the end of their service life, typically 10 years.