Smoke Detectors: Arvada vs Lakewood

Where must smoke alarms be installed in an Arvada home?

Per IRC Section R314 as adopted by the Arvada Building Division, smoke alarms are required in every sleeping room, immediately outside each separate sleeping area, and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. New construction and alterations requiring a permit must use hardwired alarms with battery backup, interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms in the dwelling unit.

Does Arvada require carbon monoxide alarms?

Yes. IRC Section R315 as adopted by Arvada requires carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of the entrance to each sleeping room in dwellings that contain a fuel-fired appliance or have an attached garage. Colorado state law (C.R.S. 38-45-101 et seq.) also requires CO alarms in single-family homes within 15 feet of bedrooms when the dwelling is sold, leased, or undergoes alterations or additions requiring a permit.

Do Arvada short-term rentals have extra smoke detector rules?

Yes. STR permit applications under Land Development Code 3-1-5-3 must include a floor plan showing the locations of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Enforcement guidance requires properties to have working safety equipment at all times, and missing or disabled detectors can be grounds for permit suspension or revocation in addition to building-code citations.

Does Jefferson County require smoke detectors in existing homes?

The County has no separate ordinance; requirements come from the adopted International Residential Code, which applies to new construction and permitted remodels. Following IRC placement in any home is strongly recommended.

Where must smoke alarms be installed under the building code?

The IRC requires alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, interconnected and hard-wired with battery backup in new construction.