Garland requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit under the adopted International Fire Code and Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 766, with placement in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 mandates smoke alarms in all one- and two-family dwellings, and Garland enforces this through its adopted International Fire Code and Property Maintenance Code under Chapter 26 (Fire Prevention). Smoke alarms must be installed inside each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each story including basements. Alarms in new construction and substantial remodels must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so all sound when one activates. Existing homes may use battery-only or 10-year sealed lithium units. Landlords must provide working alarms at the start of every tenancy and test them between tenants per Texas Property Code Section 92.255. Tenants must notify the landlord in writing of malfunctions; landlords have seven days to repair. The Garland Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and installation to qualifying residents through community risk reduction programs.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Garland code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Garland, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
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