Live Oak enforces International Fire Code and International Residential Code smoke alarm rules. Working alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every story including basements.
Smoke alarm requirements in Live Oak are set by the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R314 and the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 907.2.11 as locally adopted through Live Oak Code Chapter 5 (Buildings and Building Regulations). Every single-family dwelling, duplex, and townhouse must have working smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping room, in the hallway or area immediately outside each sleeping area, and on every story of the home including basements and habitable attics. In new construction and major remodels after 2010, alarms must be hardwired to the household electrical system with battery backup and interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms. Existing dwellings may use battery-only alarms when hardwiring is not feasible. Texas Property Code Section 92.251 through 92.260 also requires landlords of rental property to install and maintain smoke alarms and to test and repair them within seven days of written tenant notice. Carbon monoxide alarms are required where fuel-burning appliances or attached garages exist.
Missing or non-working alarms in rentals can be enforced as a Texas Property Code violation giving tenants rights to repair-and-deduct or termination. Building code violations in new construction can delay or void the Certificate of Occupancy.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle smoke detectors.
See how Live Oak's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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