Lawrence, KS Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- IPMC § 704.6.1 (Lawrence City Code § 9-730)
- Covered buildings
- Existing Group I-1 and R occupancies
- Cooking clearance
- 6-20 ft depending on alarm type
- Bathroom clearance
- At least 3 feet from tub/shower door
- CO alarm trigger
- Fuel-fired appliance or attached garage entry
- Fine range
- $100 to $500 per conviction
Summary
In the City of Lawrence, Section 704.6.1 of the amended property maintenance code requires existing Group I-1 and R occupancies, meaning most existing residential buildings, to have single-station smoke alarms installed under detailed placement rules, with an exception where fire alarm-connected detectors substitute for standalone alarms.
[F] 704.6.1. Where required. Existing Group I-1 and R occupancies shall be provided with single-station smoke alarms in accordance with sections 704.6.1.1 through 704.6.1.4. Interconnection and power sources shall be in accordance with sections 704.6.2 and 704.6.3. ... Exception: 1.Where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system have been installed as a substitute for smoke alarms.
Full Breakdown
Sections 9-730 through 9-736 rewrite the International Property Maintenance Code's smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules for existing buildings in Lawrence. 3, except where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system have been installed as a substitute. 4, alarms must be at least three feet from a bathroom door or opening if that bathroom has a tub or shower. 2 requires interconnection so activation of one alarm triggers every alarm in the unit, audible in every bedroom over background noise with doors closed, though listed wireless alarms satisfy that requirement without physical wiring.
7 requires alarms to be tested and maintained per manufacturer's instructions and replaced once they stop functioning. Sections 9-735 and 9-736 extend the mandate to carbon monoxide alarms: any dwelling with a fuel-fired appliance or an attached garage that opens directly into the dwelling must have a carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area, or inside a bedroom if a fuel-burning appliance sits within that bedroom or its attached bathroom, and a combination alarm may substitute for a standalone unit.
Violations & Fines
A failure to maintain required smoke or carbon monoxide alarms is enforced as a property maintenance code violation under Section 106.4: conviction carries a fine of $100.00 to $500.00, a jail term of five days to three months, or both, with each day the deficiency continues after notice a separate offense. The code official may instead pursue abatement under Section 106.5, ordering the owner to correct the deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my older rental house in Lawrence need smoke alarms?
How close to my stove can a smoke alarm be installed?
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm in my Lawrence house?
Can I use wireless alarms instead of wiring them together?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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