Smoke alarms in Wake County dwellings follow the NC Residential Code §R314 and the NC Fire Code §907. Homes built or substantially renovated on or after June 30, 1999 must have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, one within 10 feet of every sleeping area, and at least one on each story including basements. NCGS §42-42(a)(5) makes operable smoke alarms a landlord obligation in rental units.
NCRC §R314.3 specifies the locations: in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story (including basements and habitable attics). Alarms must be interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms (§R314.4) in new construction. NC Fire Code §907.2.11 requires single- and multiple-station smoke alarms in Group R-2 (apartments) and Group R-4 occupancies. Under NCGS §42-42, landlords must provide operable smoke detectors at the start of tenancy, repair or replace upon written notice, and provide new batteries annually for battery-operated units; the tenant is responsible for battery replacement during tenancy. Many Wake County fire stations and the Raleigh Fire Department give residents free smoke alarms upon request.
Failing to maintain operable smoke alarms is a habitability violation under NCGS §42-44 (tenant may pursue rent abatement, injunction, or actual damages). Fire-code violations are Class 3 misdemeanors under NCGS §143-138(j) with fines up to $500 per occurrence.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cary, NC
Cary regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. N.C.G.S. §14-288.4 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cary, NC
Cary Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Division 2 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger citizens. The ordinance restri...
Cary, NC
Cary regulates construction noise through its general noise ordinance (Chapter 22). Construction activity near residential areas should be confined to reason...
Cary, NC
Cary's noise ordinance covers barking dogs under the general prohibition on disturbing noises. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors may result in...
Cary, NC
Cary's Land Development Ordinance restricts parking of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles typically must be stored in rear or side...
Cary, NC
Cary restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, and heavy equipment may not be stored in resident...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle smoke detectors.
See how Cary's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.