Fullerton, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Fullerton follows the California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), and California Fire Code as adopted by reference under Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.10. All existing and new residential dwellings must have working smoke alarms installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity, and on every story of the dwelling including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. Smoke alarms in new construction must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that activation of one alarm triggers all alarms in the dwelling. Battery-operated smoke alarms are acceptable in existing homes that have not undergone remodeling requiring a building permit. Carbon monoxide detectors are required under California Health and Safety Code Sections 17926 and 17926.1 in all dwelling units that have a fossil fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. CO alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on every level of the dwelling. Smoke alarms and CO detectors must be listed and labeled per UL 217 and UL 2034 respectively. Landlords must provide working smoke and CO detectors at the start of each new tenancy. Upon resale of a dwelling, compliance with current smoke alarm and CO detector standards is required.