Smoke Detectors: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana follows state law requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor. CO alarms are required where homes have gas appliances or attached garages.
View full Fontana rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino dwellings must have working smoke alarms in every sleeping room and on every level under CA H&S 13113.7, plus CO alarms in homes with fuel appliances or attached garages.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Where required | Each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level of the home | - |
| Technology standard | 10-year sealed lithium battery post-2014 installs | - |
| CO alarms | Required with gas appliances, fireplace, or attached garage | - |
| Landlord duty | Install and test at the start of each tenancy | - |
| Sale trigger | Upgrade required at point of sale or permitted remodel | - |
| Smoke alarm law | - | CA H&S 13113.7 requires alarms in every bedroom and level |
| CO alarm law | - | CA H&S 13262 requires CO alarms when fuel appliance or attached garage |
| Battery rule | - | Replacement alarms must be 10-year sealed battery units |
| Sale or remodel | - | Alarms must be upgraded to current code at transfer or major remodel |
| Habitability | - | Missing alarms are a rental defect under Civil Code 1941.1 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
How many smoke alarms does my Fontana home need?
One in each bedroom, one in the hallway outside sleeping areas, and at least one per floor including the basement - older homes may need multiple upgrades.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm in Fontana?
Yes if your home has any gas appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. Install one on each level and outside every sleeping area.
Who is responsible for alarms in a rental property?
The landlord installs and confirms operation at move-in; the tenant maintains batteries and reports failures during the tenancy.
San Bernardino FAQ
Where exactly must my smoke alarms be?
Inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area in the hallway, and on every level of the home including basements.
Do I need a CO alarm?
Yes if your home has any gas appliance, wood fireplace, or attached garage, under California Health and Safety Code 13262.
Can I still use 9-volt battery alarms?
Existing units remain legal, but any replacement in California must be a listed 10-year sealed battery alarm.
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