Every dwelling in unincorporated Contra Costa must have working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor per California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and CRC R314. Alarms installed after 2015 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired with battery backup, and carbon monoxide alarms are also required.
California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in all single- and multi-family dwellings. California Residential Code Section R314 and California Building Code Section 907.2.11 (adopted countywide) require alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on every story including basements. Any alarm installed or replaced on or after July 1, 2015 must be either hardwired with battery backup or use a non-removable 10-year sealed lithium battery per SB 745. Hardwiring and interconnection are required in new construction and in substantial remodels when work exceeds $1,000 and requires a permit. At point of sale, sellers must disclose smoke alarm compliance on the TDS under Civil Code 1102.6. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately mandated by Health and Safety Code 13262 (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act) for all dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages—installed outside each sleeping area and on each floor. Landlords must test and maintain alarms at the start of each tenancy.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Contra Costa County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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