Marion County Code of Ordinances Sec. 591-421, together with Indiana Code Sec. 22-11-18-3.5, requires every dwelling unit in Indianapolis-Marion County to have a functional smoke detector outside each sleeping area, on every story (including basements and habitable attics), powered by a sealed non-replaceable 10-year battery or hardwired with battery backup. Owners must repair or replace a defective unit within seven working days of written notice.
Marion County Code Sec. 591-421 (Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 591) and Indiana Code Sec. 22-11-18-3.5 jointly govern smoke alarms in every Indianapolis-Marion County dwelling. At least one functional smoke detector listed by a recognized testing laboratory must be installed outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, on the ceiling or a wall not less than 4 inches and not more than 12 inches from the ceiling, and on each story of the unit, including basements and habitable attics. A battery-powered detector must use a sealed, non-replaceable battery capable of powering the device for at least 10 years (typically a lithium 10-year unit), aligning Marion County's local rule with the Indianapolis Fire Department's adoption of the International Fire Code. The owner, or the owner's manager or rental agent, is responsible for installing the required detectors before occupancy and for replacing or repairing a defective unit within seven working days after written notice from the tenant. The tenant is responsible for routine battery replacement in user-replaceable units and for testing alarms during the tenancy. Short-term rentals permitted under Chapter 852 must also satisfy the same Sec. 591-421 standard as a condition of the registration certificate.
Failing to install or maintain a required smoke detector is enforceable by the Indianapolis Fire Department and the Marion County Public Health Department under Chapter 591. Violations are typically charged as a Class B infraction, escalating to a Class A infraction for repeat or knowing violations, and Marion County's published civil-penalty schedule reaches up to $2,500 per day that a violation continues uncorrected after notice.
See how Marion County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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