Annapolis, MD Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 17.40.440
- Who must install
- Owner of each rental unit
- Combo detector
- Required with fuel-fired appliances
- Maintenance check
- Owner/agent inspects annually
- Tenancy change
- Grantor certifies alarms working
Summary
Annapolis requires owners of every rental dwelling unit to install smoke alarms outside sleeping areas, in bedrooms, and on every story under City Code § 17.40.440.
It is the responsibility of the owner of each rental dwelling unit to install smoke alarms in accordance with this section in each rental dwelling unit intended to be used...for residential purposes. The smoke alarms shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and providing a suitable audible alarm of the combustion. Where fuel fired appliances are used one smoke detector is required to be a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 17.40.440, the owner of each rental dwelling unit must install smoke alarms in every unit used or designed for residential purposes. Alarms are required on the ceiling or wall outside each separate sleeping area, in every room used for sleeping, and on every story including basements and cellars (crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics excluded). Units with fuel-fired appliances need at least one combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector. The owner or agent must inspect and maintain alarms annually, and at every change of tenancy the grantor must certify to the incoming tenant that alarms are installed and working before occupancy. Equipment must be Fire Department-approved and installed per NFPA 72 and NFPA 70.
Violations & Fines
Failure to correct after a notice under § 17.40.840 is a municipal infraction with a Council-set fine per § 17.40.890; each uncorrected 5-day period draws a new citation, and continued noncompliance after the Building Board of Appeals process can escalate to a misdemeanor with fines or imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to owner-occupied homes?
Who is responsible for maintaining smoke alarms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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