Decatur, GA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Decatur's Fire Alarm Code, adopted at UDO Sec. 4, applies to the selection, installation, alteration, equipment, and maintenance of public and private fire alarm systems installed after the code's adoption, and to occupancy-classification changes in existing buildings. Sec. G, Occupancy Requirements, requires that every structure built, substantially renovated, or having its occupancy classification changed install smoke detectors, heat detectors, rate-of-rise heat detectors, or a combination, installed per the NFPA 72 standard adopted in Sec. E, in workrooms, break rooms, corridors and hallways, waiting rooms, conference rooms, and copy or printing rooms.

Every structure except single-family residences must also have an audible alarm, using horns, bells, or sirens, that alerts occupants throughout the building even if they are not in the alarm's originating area, and that signal cannot be reused for any other purpose. Buildings with a life hazard exposure of 100 or more people need a monitored alarm system that automatically notifies an Underwriters' Laboratories-approved central station, which contacts the City public safety department. New high-rise buildings, assembly occupancies, mall buildings, hotels, and dormitories must add a combination fire alarm and voice communication system meeting NFPA 101 and NFPA 72.

Owners must also register with the Decatur Fire and Security Alarm Registry under Sec. L, and repeated preventable false alarms at the same panel trigger fee-schedule assessments after the first three free passes in a 12-month period under Sec. M.