Smoke Detectors: Chicago vs Schaumburg
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Chicago, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Chicago and Schaumburg have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 feet outside each bedroom, and inside each bedroom for buildings constructed or significantly remodeled in 2018 or later. New or replacement alarms in rental units must be sealed-battery (10-year) since January 1, 2022. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required under MCC 13-64-190.
View full Chicago rules →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Illinois law (425 ILCS 60) requires smoke detectors on every level of a residence and near bedrooms. Cook County Chapter 102 building code reinforces these requirements. Carbon monoxide detectors are also mandatory under 430 ILCS 135.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MCC Ch 13-196 & 13-64 | - |
| Each Story | 1 alarm minimum | - |
| Outside Bedrooms | Within 15 ft | - |
| Inside Bedrooms | Required if built/remodeled 2018+ | - |
| Sealed-Battery | Required since Jan 1, 2022 (rentals) | - |
| CO Alarm | Required (MCC 13-64-190) | - |
| Smoke Detectors | - | Every floor + near bedrooms |
| CO Detectors | - | Required (430 ILCS 135) |
| State Law | - | 425 ILCS 60 |
| County Code | - | Ch. 102 (Building) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Where do I have to put smoke alarms in a Chicago house or apartment?
Chicago Building Code 13-196-100 requires at least one smoke alarm on every story, including basements, and one outside each bedroom within 15 feet of the door. For buildings built or significantly remodeled in 2018 or later, an additional alarm is required inside each bedroom. Alarms go on the ceiling at least 4 inches from any wall, or on a wall 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling.
Do Chicago landlords have to install sealed 10-year battery smoke alarms?
Yes. Since January 1, 2022, any new or replacement smoke alarm installed in a Chicago rental unit must be a sealed, non-removable 10-year battery alarm (or hardwired). The same requirement applied to occupant-installed alarms beginning January 1, 2023. Combined smoke/CO units are allowed but not required.
Schaumburg FAQ
How many smoke detectors do I need in Cook County?
Illinois law requires at least one on every floor including the basement, and within 15 feet of every bedroom. Cook County building codes under Chapter 102 reinforce this.
Are carbon monoxide detectors required?
Yes. Under 430 ILCS 135, CO detectors are required within 15 feet of every bedroom in homes with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages.
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