Chicopee, MA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Article I of Chapter 160 (Fire Prevention) of the Chicopee Code was adopted 10-4-1983 to provide a basic minimum standard for installing and maintaining automatic smoke and heat detectors in buildings, and § 160-1 states the devices are intended for the protection of life. Section 160-3 sets the requirements. Each dwelling unit used for residential purposes needs an approved automatic smoke or heat detector on the highest habitable level on each floor. Each hotel, boarding house or lodging house needs one for each sleeping accommodation unless the building has a sprinkler system. Each dormitory needs one for each sleeping accommodation.

Section 160-2 defines the terms. A hotel is a building or group of buildings under the same management with more than 15 sleeping accommodations for hire. An apartment house is a building with six or more dwelling units. "Approved" equipment is listed or labeled by an organization acceptable to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations or the State Fire Marshal. A detector must sound an audible alarm that can be effectively heard above the maximum noise level under normal conditions of occupancy.

New work follows a different rulebook: § 160-4 says newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated buildings are governed by the State Building Code for installing detectors. The Fire Department can inspect all residential buildings under § 160-5 and issue orders necessary to ensure compliance, and § 160-6 puts responsibility on the owner of the premises.

Permit fees in § 160-8 for related fire work include $50 for fire alarm systems, $50 for sprinkler system installation and plan review, and $25 for a commercial fire alarm test or install, with reinspection at $20.