Hoover, AL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

2 of the International Property Maintenance Code and replaces it entirely: "Approved single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing dwelling units, and hotel and lodging guestrooms," with installation following the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, or International Residential Code as applicable. 4 requiring that where security bars, grilles, grates, or similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke detectors must also go in under Section 704. 7(a) makes clear the IPMC applies to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing residential and non-residential structures, setting minimum maintenance standards for premises, structures, equipment, and facilities.

7(d)'s complaint-driven process: a written complaint with the complainant's name, address, phone number, and signature is required before the code official investigates; the official then inspects the property, and if noncompliance is confirmed, issues notices and orders under Section 107 of the IPMC specifying a compliance deadline. If the responsible party neither complies nor appeals, the code official can pursue enforcement through Hoover Municipal Court or file a nuisance-abatement action. 7(e) originally gave existing structures three months from the ordinance's adoption to come into compliance with the IPMC as amended.

For rental dwellings specifically, Section 6-29(3) of the separate Residential Leased/Rental Property Code independently requires one detector on every floor level and one in or adjacent to every bedroom or bedroom group, and permits battery-type units.