Grand Forks, ND Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Section 12-0701 requires every dwelling unit held for rental purposes to have a smoke or products-of-combustion detector conforming to UBC Standard 43-6, mounted on the ceiling no less than six inches from the wall, or on the wall between six and twelve inches of the ceiling, centrally located in each corridor or area giving access to sleeping rooms; where sleeping rooms sit on an upper level, the detector must be placed directly above the stairway leading to them. Section 12-0702 requires hardwired detectors to connect to an unswitched circuit, with a holding device for plug-in units, and battery-powered detectors to use only the manufacturer's recommended battery size and type.

Section 12-0703 splits testing duties: the tenant must test the detector according to the manufacturer's instructions at least monthly, while the owner or manager must test it at least annually, keep records of testing and maintenance dates and the names of who performed them, and give tenants written notice of these testing requirements. The article applies to every rental dwelling unit existing on or after September 9, 1979, except new construction or remodeling governed by the building code then in effect, per Section 12-0704. Section 12-0705 bars tampering with, damaging, moving or otherwise disturbing a required detector, though routine maintenance by the owner, hotel or motel proprietor, or their representatives is exempt.