Fresno, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Alarms
- Alarms required in every bedroom, hall, story
- 10-Year Sealed
- 10-year sealed or hardwired with backup since 2014
- Alarms Separately
- CO alarms separately required H&S §13263
- Landlord Duty
- Landlord duty under H&S §17920.10
- Verified Str
- Verified at STR permit and sale
Summary
California Health and Safety Code §13113.7 and FMC Chapter 15 require smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story of dwellings. Fresno Fire enforces installation and maintenance at resale, rental, and at STR permit inspection. Alarms must be 10-year sealed lithium or hardwired with battery backup for alarms installed since 2014.
(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2014, for alterations, repairs, or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), the permit issuer shall not sign off on the completion of work until the permittee demonstrates that all smoke alarms required for the dwelling unit are devices approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114.
Full Breakdown
H&S §13113.7 and the California Building and Fire Codes require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, in the hallway outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements in all single-family and multi-family dwellings. Since July 1, 2014, replacement alarms in single-family homes without hardwired alarms must be 10-year sealed battery units. New construction and major remodels require hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required under H&S §13263. Fresno Fire Department conducts verification during STR permit inspections, rental inspection program visits, and will investigate landlord tenant complaints. At point of sale, sellers must certify alarm installation on the Transfer Disclosure Statement. Rental units missing alarms expose landlords to civil penalties under California Health and Safety Code §17920.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for smoke alarms in a Fresno rental?
Do I need CO alarms in my Fresno house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno
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Smoke Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fresno County handle smoke detectors.