La Plata County, CO Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Section 18-36 adopts the volumes, parts, chapters, and appendices of the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council, together with the amendments, additions, and deletions set out in the section, pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-28-201(1). Its contents list names Section R310 Smoke Alarms among the amended provisions.

The amendment is short and specific. Section R310.3 is deleted in its entirety and replaced, and the replacement text printed in the county code places smoke alarms on the exterior of the sleeping area within 15 feet of each bedroom door. That replacement text is printed as item 2, and the county code prints no other item under R310.3. The change carries the history line Res. No. 2026-14 and the effective date 6/30/2026.

The alarm requirement sits inside the residential code that the Building Department enforces through permits and inspections. Section 18-35(105.1) requires an owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, or repairing a building or structure. The frame inspection in Section 110.3.4 follows the installation of rough electrical, plumbing, heating, wires, pipes, and ducts, the final inspection in Section 110.3.8 comes before a certificate of occupancy under Section 111.1.1, and Section 104.1 gives the building official authority to interpret the Code. A dwelling in the Old Hermosa Cliffs Fire Protection District that must be sprinklered under R309.5 also needs an approved automatic smoke-detection system, with supervision by an approved central alarm agency recommended. Section 104.8 states that adopting the Code creates no duty to any person and no private right of action against La Plata County.