Smoke Detectors: El Cerrito vs Walnut Creek
How do smoke detectors rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and Walnut Creek, CA?
Walnut Creek 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 →Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa County
Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of a home in Walnut Creek under the California Residential Code and Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114. Alarms installed since 2015 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired; carbon monoxide alarms are also mandatory.
View full Walnut Creek rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | Walnut Creek |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Walnut Creek FAQ
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and Walnut Creek compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool