Long Beach, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Law
- CA H&S §13113.7
- Location
- Each bedroom + hallway + each floor
- Type
- 10-year sealed battery (since 2015)
- CO alarms
- Also required (SB 183)
- Fine
- $200-$1,000/unit
Summary
Under CA H&S Code §13113.7 and LBMC fire code adoption, all Long Beach residential units require working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. Replacement alarms must be 10-year sealed-battery models since 2015.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. ... For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2014, for alterations, repairs, or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), the permit issuer shall not sign off on the completion of work until the permittee demonstrates that all smoke alarms required for the dwelling unit are devices approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal.
Full Breakdown
California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 requires smoke alarms in every Long Beach dwelling: inside each sleeping room, immediately outside sleeping areas, and on every floor including basements. Units built or substantially remodeled after 1993 must have hard-wired alarms with battery backup; standalone battery alarms are allowed in older homes. Since July 1, 2015, replacement battery-only alarms sold in California must be 10-year sealed-lithium models that cannot be disabled. Long Beach Fire Department inspects rental units at change of occupancy and during code-compliance sweeps. Landlords face citations for missing or non-functional alarms. Tenants cannot remove batteries or disable alarms; doing so voids habitability warranties. Combination smoke/CO alarms are also required under SB 183 (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act).
Violations & Fines
Missing/non-functional alarm: $200-$1,000 per unit, plus mandatory rental-unit habitability inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many smoke alarms does my Long Beach home need?
Are 9-volt battery smoke alarms still legal in Long Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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