Smoke Detectors: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario enforces California H and S 13113.7 requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired units are required on replacement.
View full Ontario 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 | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | CA H and S 13113.7 | - |
| Required locations | Each bedroom, hallway, every floor | - |
| Alarm type | 10-year sealed or hardwired backup | - |
| Rental rule | Test before each new tenancy | - |
| Retrofit trigger | Work over 1,000 dollars | - |
| 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.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need hardwired alarms in an older Ontario house?
Homes built before 1992 can generally use 10-year sealed battery alarms, but hardwired alarms with battery backup are required when a permit for significant work is issued.
Who is responsible for alarms in a rental home?
The landlord must install, test, and maintain alarms and verify they work before each new tenant moves in under California Civil Code 1941.1.
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.
Compare other topics
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