Gary, IN Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Gary's smoke detector rules sit in Division 3 of Chapter 22 and split by construction date. Section 22-104 fixes the device type: every approved smoke detector must be ionization or photoelectric and meet Underwriters Laboratories requirements. Section 22-105 governs new construction of residential or mixed-occupancy structures, requiring at least one approved detector in every single-family unit and multi-dwelling unit, mounted on the ceiling at least six inches from any wall, or alternatively on a wall between six and 12 inches below the ceiling, within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping, with a minimum of one detector per level of the structure.

Multiple dwellings and mixed-occupancy buildings with residential units must additionally place a detector at the uppermost ceiling of every interior stairwell. Section 22-106 extends the identical placement standard to existing residential or mixed-occupancy dwelling units already built when the ordinance took effect: every owner, manager, or agent must install at least one detector per level under the same six-inch/15-foot rule, plus a detector at the top of every interior stairwell. Both sections put the installation duty on the owner, manager, or agent of the building rather than the occupant.

Neither § 22-104, § 22-105, nor § 22-106 prints its own dollar fine, so an unequipped or misplaced smoke detector defaults to the citywide general penalty at § 1-7, a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $7,500 for a second or subsequent offense, with continuing violations counted daily. The requirement dates to Ordinance No. 6103, adopted January 21, 1986.