Kenosha, WI Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of Gen. Ordinances § 16.25(F)(1)
- Pre-1980 one/two-family homes
- Basement + each floor except attic
- Post-1980 homes
- Hardwired, interconnected, adjacent to sleeping areas
- Buildings over 60ft/6 stories
- Basement, stairways, near sleeping areas
- Repair deadline
- 24 hours after written notice, §16.25.F.1.g
Summary
Kenosha's Property Maintenance Code requires a functional smoke detector in every dwelling, dwelling unit and lodging room, with placement rules that get stricter by construction date and building type, up through hardwired, interconnected detectors in newer multifamily buildings.
Smoke Detectors. The Responsible Person of a Dwelling, Dwelling Unit and Lodging Room shall install a functional Smoke Detector as follows:a.One- and Two-Family Dwellings Constructed Prior to June 1, 1980.(1)In the Basement of the Dwelling.(2)On each floor, except the attic or storage area of each Dwelling Unit.b.One- and Two-Family Dwellings Constructed After June 1, 1980.(1)In the Basement.(2)On each floor level, except the attic or storage area of each Dwelling Unit.(3)For floor levels containing a sleeping area, Smoke Detectors shall be installed adjacent to the sleeping area... (4)Smoke detectors shall be continuously powered by the electrical service in the Dwelling and shall be interconnected.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
" For one- and two-family dwellings built before June 1, 1980, a detector is required in the basement and on each floor except attics or storage areas. For those built after June 1, 1980, the code adds that detectors must be continuously powered by the electrical service and interconnected, with a detector adjacent to any sleeping area (and a separate one for each additional sleeping area on a floor remote from the others); split-level dwellings with less than one full story of separation can share one detector between the upper and adjacent lower level, including basements.
" Multifamily buildings constructed, added to, or converted after April 1, 1995 face the same placement rules plus a requirement for a backup power source. All detectors must be installed per the Building Code and manufacturer's instructions and must provide an alarm loud enough to warn occupants within the room or unit. f. g. 2. 26 apply.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install a required smoke detector, or tampering with one, violates Section 16.25.F.1. Failing to repair a detector within 24 hours of written notice from an occupant is a separate violation. Penalties under Section 16.26: up to $1,000 forfeiture per day of continuing violation, plus prosecution costs and up to 60 days jail on default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kenosha smoke detectors need to be hardwired?
What if a tenant reports a broken smoke detector?
Are smoke detector rules different for apartment buildings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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