Chandler enforces smoke alarm requirements through the 2018 International Fire Code (adopted in City Code Chapter 19) and the 2018 International Residential Code, with statewide minimums set by A.R.S. § 36-1637. New and substantially remodeled dwellings must have hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor.
Chandler adopts the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) and 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) by reference in Chapter 19 of the City Code, administered by the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department's Fire Prevention Division. IFC Section 907.2.11 and IRC Section R314 require that smoke alarms in new construction be installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each story of the dwelling including basements. New-construction alarms must be hardwired to the building's primary power, interconnected so that activation of one sounds all alarms, and equipped with a battery backup. When an existing dwelling is altered, repaired, or has a sleeping area added under permit, IRC Section R314.2.2 requires alarms to be brought up to current standards in the work area; alterations that do not include interior wall removal may use battery-powered alarms. Statewide, A.R.S. § 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any existing unit whose sleeping area is remodeled under permit, makes the tenant responsible for keeping the alarm operable, and makes the landlord responsible for repair upon written tenant notice. Verify code edition and amendments with Chandler Fire Prevention at 480-782-2120.
Failure to install or maintain required smoke alarms can result in correction notices and stop-work orders from Chandler Fire Prevention, denial of a certificate of occupancy on new or remodeled construction, and civil penalties under Chapter 19 of the Chandler City Code. For rentals, the landlord can be held responsible for repair after written tenant notice under A.R.S. § 36-1637.
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