Smoke detectors in Allegheny County are required under the PA Uniform Construction Code adopted statewide. New construction and substantial renovations must include interconnected hardwired alarms with battery backup in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor.
The PA UCC (34 Pa. Code Ch. 403) adopts the International Residential Code, which under IRC Section R314 mandates smoke alarms in all new dwellings and existing dwellings undergoing alterations requiring a permit. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so all sound when one is triggered. Rental housing is additionally subject to municipal rental inspection programs. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages under 35 P.S. Section 7222 (Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act). Landlords must maintain functioning detectors at start of tenancy.
UCC permit holdups and failure-to-pass inspections until compliance. Landlord violations under tenant/landlord law: fines up to $250 per unit, tenant right to terminate.
See how Allegheny County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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