Dallas adopts the 2021 International Residential Code and International Fire Code requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 mandates smoke detectors in all residential dwellings.
Dallas requires smoke detectors per the 2021 International Residential Code with Dallas Amendments (Ordinance 33099) and the 2021 International Fire Code (Chapter 16). Smoke alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. Landlords must install at least one smoke detector outside each bedroom under Texas Property Code Section 92.255. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 mandates smoke detectors in all one-family and two-family dwellings. Dallas fire marshals expect 10-year sealed lithium batteries in battery-powered applications. Both ionization and photoelectric types are accepted; combination alarms are recommended.
Landlords failing to install smoke detectors may face liability under Texas Property Code. Building code violations may result in failed inspections and fines.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle smoke detectors.
See how Dallas's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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