Smoke Detectors: El Cerrito vs Richmond
How do smoke detectors rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Richmond, CA?
Richmond has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Every dwelling in unincorporated Contra Costa must have working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor per California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and CRC R314. Alarms installed after 2015 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired with battery backup, and carbon monoxide alarms are also required.
View full El Cerrito rules →Richmond, CA
Contra Costa County
California law requires working smoke alarms in every Richmond dwelling unit, with additional carbon-monoxide detector requirements. All units must have battery-backup or 10-year sealed-battery alarms. Point-of-sale and rental-turnover compliance is mandatory, enforced by Richmond Fire Prevention and the Rent Program for covered rentals.
View full Richmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Locations required | Each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, every floor | - |
| Battery rule | 10-year sealed battery or hardwired with backup | - |
| CO alarms | Required if fuel appliance, fireplace, or attached garage | - |
| Landlord duty | Test and maintain each new tenancy | - |
| Sale disclosure | Required on TDS (Civil Code 1102.6) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I still use 9-volt battery alarms?
Existing 9-volt alarms installed before July 1, 2015 may remain in service until replacement, but any new or replacement alarm must be 10-year sealed battery or hardwired.
Are carbon monoxide alarms required in all-electric homes?
CO alarms are not required in dwellings with no fuel-burning appliances, no fireplace, and no attached garage.
Richmond FAQ
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