Knox County follows the 2018 International codes for smoke-alarm placement in new and renovated homes. Alarms are required in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level. The county fire department also offers free smoke detectors to residents on request.
Knox County's Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the 2018 International Building Code, International Fire Code, and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Under those codes, single- and two-family dwellings must have smoke alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each additional story including basements. In new construction and substantial remodels, alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so all sound together. Existing homes must maintain working alarms. Tennessee also requires landlords and homeowners to keep functioning smoke alarms. The Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau distributes and installs free smoke detectors for residents who request them.
Missing or non-working required smoke alarms are a fire-code violation subject to correction orders from the fire marshal; permits for new construction won't pass inspection without compliant alarms.
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