Chico, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Condo-conversion dwelling units
- Standard cited
- UBC § 1310, via Title 16
- Certified by
- City Building Official
- Consequence
- Sale barred until certified
Summary
Before a converted condominium unit can be sold in Chico, the building must be certified by the Building Official and each unit equipped with smoke detectors meeting the Title 16-adopted standard.
No dwelling unit in a multi-residential building converted to a condominium project shall be offered for sale unless the building has been certified by the Building Official as complying with the Uniform Housing Code adopted by Title 16 of this code and is equipped as follows: A. Each dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke detectors conforming to the requirements of Section 1310 of the Uniform Building Code adopted by Title 16 of the Chico Municipal Code;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico's condominium-conversion chapter sets minimum equipment standards a multi-residential building must meet before any unit can be sold as a condo. Section 18.13.060(A) requires each converted dwelling unit to have smoke detectors conforming to the Uniform Building Code § 1310 standard adopted under Title 16, and the Building Official must certify compliance before sale. This rule is scoped to condo conversions only. Chico's other dwellings get their smoke-alarm requirements from the state-adopted California Fire and Residential Codes, which the city applies largely by reference rather than through a separate local ordinance.
Violations & Fines
A converted unit lacking certified smoke detectors and other required equipment cannot legally be offered for sale until the Building Official certifies compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this smoke-detector rule apply to all Chico homes?
Who checks that the smoke detectors are installed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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