Boise, ID Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Base standard
- 2018 IRC Section R314
- Local amendment
- BCC § 9-1B-41, § 9-1B-42
- Garage rule
- Heat detector tied to smoke alarms
- Applies to
- One- and two-family dwellings
Summary
Boise homes follow 2018 IRC Section R314 for smoke alarms, plus a stricter local rule on alterations and a garage heat-detector mandate.
R314.7.5 Heat Detector Within Garages. A heat detector, listed and interconnected to the smoke alarms, shall be installed in all attached garages and also in detached garages that do not meet required fire separation distance and have an electrical service. (Ord. 3-25, 2-4-2025) 9-1B-43: IRC ONE-AND-TWO-FAMILY DWELLING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENT, SECTION R315.2.2, ALTERATIONS, REPAIRS AND ADDITIONS, DELETE EXCEPTION #2: Exception #2 is deleted from Section R315.2.2, Alterations, Repairs and Additions. (Ord. 44-17, 12-19-2017, eff. 1-1-2018; amd. Ord. 40-20, 12-1-2020, eff. 1-1- 2021; Ord. 3-25, 2-4-2025) 9-1B-44: IRC ONE-AND-TWO-FAMILY DWELLING BUILDING CODE AMENDMENT, SECTION R322.1, FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION, GENERAL: R322.1 Flood-Resistant Construction, General. All construction within flood hazard areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Flood Hazard regulations of the Boise Development Code in addition to this code. Buildings and structures constructed in whole or in part in flood hazard areas, including A or V Zones and Coastal A Zones, as set forth in Table R301.2(1), and substantial improvement and repair of substantial damage of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions contained in this section. Buildings or structures that are located in more than one flood hazard area shall comply with the provisions associated with the most
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code Title 9, Chapter 1B adopts the 2018 International Residential Code, which governs smoke alarm placement and power source in one- and two-family dwellings under Section R314. The city then tightens that standard: BCC § 9-1B-41 deletes Exception #2 from R314.2.2, so alterations, repairs, and additions can't skip the upgraded smoke alarm work that exception would have excused. BCC § 9-1B-42 goes further, adding new Section R314.7.5, which requires a heat detector interconnected to the smoke alarms in every attached garage and in any detached garage that lacks required fire separation and has electrical service.
Violations & Fines
Building without required interconnected smoke alarms or the garage heat detector fails inspection; permits and certificates of occupancy are withheld until corrected per Title 9's enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boise require smoke alarms interconnected with garage heat detectors?
Can a Boise remodel skip upgrading old smoke alarms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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