Alexandria Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors Rules (2026)

Smoke alarm rules in Alexandria flow from the Virginia Statewide Building Code (USBC), 13VAC5-63, which adopts the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). For new construction and substantial alterations, IRC R314.3 requires smoke alarms (1) inside each sleeping room, (2) outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and (3) on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. New-construction alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so any alarm sounds all units (R314.4 - R314.6). For existing dwellings, 13VAC5-63-435.5 (Section 1101.6 of Chapter 11 retrofit) provides that AC-powered alarms with battery backup, or an equivalent device, must replace any defective or inoperative battery alarm when the building official finds that the responsible party has failed to maintain working alarms. Va. Code §15.2-922 authorizes localities to require smoke alarms in dwellings, hotels/motels, and rooming houses; Va. Code §55.1-1227 places interim testing, repair, and maintenance on the tenant in rental units (except common areas of multifamily buildings), and requires landlords to certify alarm presence and function on or before the start of tenancy. For Alexandria short-term rentals under Ord. 5575, applicants must submit photographic evidence of working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and a fire extinguisher with the APEX permit application. Replacement smoke alarms must meet UL 217. Local enforcement is shared between the Code Administration division of P&Z (Title 8 Building Code Regulations) and the Alexandria Fire Marshal's Office.