Fresno County, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- H&S Code 13113.7
- Battery Type
- 10-year sealed required since 2014
- Locations Required
- Every bedroom + each level
- New Construction
- Hardwired, interconnected
- CO Detectors
- Required per H&S 17926
Summary
California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in all existing dwellings in Fresno County, including single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes. Detectors must be hardwired with battery backup in remodeled or new construction, and replacement alarms must use 10-year sealed batteries, required since 2014.
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy.
(2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2014, for alterations, repairs, or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), the permit issuer shall not sign off on the completion of work until the permittee demonstrates that all smoke alarms required for the dwelling unit are devices approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114.
(4) Unless prohibited by local rules, regulations, or ordinances, a battery-operated smoke alarm, which otherwise met the standards adopted pursuant to Section 13114 for smoke alarms at the time of installation, satisfies the requirements of this section.
(b) "Dwelling units intended for human occupancy," as used in this section, includes a one- or two-unit dwelling, lodging house, apartment complex, hotel, motel, condominium, stock cooperative, time-share project, or dwelling unit of a multiple-unit dwelling complex, or factory-built housing as defined in Section 19971.
(e) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
Full Breakdown
Under California Health and Safety Code 13113.7, every dwelling unit in unincorporated Fresno County must have operable smoke alarms. Alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home including basements. Since July 1, 2014 (SB 745), all replacement smoke alarms must be equipped with 10-year sealed, non-removable batteries. New construction and remodels requiring a permit must install hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup per California Building Code and California Residential Code R314. Landlords must ensure working smoke alarms at the start of every new tenancy under Civil Code 1954.201. When a property is sold, the seller must provide a written statement confirming smoke alarms are compliant under H&S Code 13113.8. Carbon monoxide detectors are also required on every level with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage under H&S Code 17926.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide working smoke alarms in rental units can result in landlord liability under Civil Code 1954.201. Noncompliance at time of sale requires the seller to bring the property into compliance. Building inspectors may withhold final inspection approval for remodels lacking hardwired interconnected alarms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of smoke alarm is required in Fresno County homes?
Where do smoke detectors need to be installed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.