Evansville, IN Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum detectors
- One per story, per dwelling unit
- Placement
- Within 15 feet of bedroom
- Fine
- $100/violation/day; $200 if disabled
- Enforced by
- Fire Chief or Building Commissioner
Summary
Every dwelling unit in Evansville must have at least one working smoke detector per story, installed within 15 feet of sleeping areas, under the city's Property Maintenance Code.
(A) General – Installation. Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with a minimum of one smoke detector installed in accordance with the following:
(1) Existing operable smoke detectors, the installation of which conformed to State building and electrical codes at the time of their installation; or
(2) Installation of a smoke detector shall meet the criteria of the Indiana Building Code and the Indiana One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code but in no event more than 15 feet from the bedroom or sleeping area.
(3) At least one smoke detector shall be installed on each story.
(B) Power Source. Each smoke detector shall be Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) approved unless installed prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter and otherwise in compliance with State building and electrical codes at the time of installation, and shall produce an alarm signal upon detection of any visible or invisible particles of combustion. Each smoke detector shall be either battery-powered with a minimum of nine volts, or powered by a 110-volt alternating unswitched current, or industry equivalent as future technology develops.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Evansville Municipal Code § 15.15.340 requires every dwelling unit to have a minimum of one smoke detector meeting Indiana Building Code and Indiana One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code standards, placed no more than 15 feet from a bedroom or sleeping area, with at least one detector on each story. Owners must supply an operable detector before occupancy; tenants must test units annually and maintain batteries. The Fire Chief, Building Commissioner, or Chief Administrative Officer (or a Mayoral designee) enforces the section; violators face fines per violation.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install or maintain a required smoke detector draws a $100 fine per violation per day; intentionally disabling one draws a minimum $200 fine, enforceable by the Fire Chief or Building Commissioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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