Longmont, CO Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Smoke alarm placement is enforced through the 2021 International Fire Code adopted by Ordinance O-2021-66 and codified at LMC Chapter 16.32. Longmont Public Safety requires smoke alarms 'in every bedroom or other area where people sleep,' 'in the hall or area outside each bedroom,' and 'at least one smoke alarm should be located on each level of the home including the basement.' Alarms must be installed on ceilings or high on walls, away from corners, heat ducts, ceiling fans, and drafty locations, and not in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, or immediately outside bathroom doors. Longmont Public Safety recommends 10-year sealed-battery alarms or smart detectors. Batteries should be replaced twice yearly and units replaced after 10 years. Carbon monoxide alarms are governed by Colorado state law (C.R.S. 38-45-101 et seq.). Under C.R.S. 38-45-102 (single-family) and 38-45-103 (multi-family), an operational CO alarm must be installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping in any dwelling that has a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, whenever the property is sold or transferred (on or after July 1, 2009) or when interior alterations requiring a building permit occur. C.R.S. 38-45-104 imposes the same requirement on rental properties at change of tenant occupancy. Longmont Fire Services provides battery installation help through 303-651-8501.