Martinez, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Required in every bedroom, hallway, and floor level
- Detector Requirement
- 10-year sealed battery alarms for new installs (SB 745)
- Detector Requirement
- CO alarms required with fuel appliances/attached garage
- CO Detector
- Seller must certify compliance at property sale
- Detector Requirement
- ConFire offers free alarms to qualifying households
Summary
Martinez requires working smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 and the California Building Code. Alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Sealed 10-year battery or hardwired alarms required for new installations.
13113.7.
(a) (1) 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.
(2) 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 pursuant to Section 13114.
(b) "Dwelling units intended for human occupancy," as used in this section, includes a one- or two-unit dwelling, lodging house, apartment complex, hotel, motel, condominium, stock cooperative, time-share project, or dwelling unit of a multiple-unit dwelling complex, or factory-built housing as defined in Section 19971.
(e) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
Full Breakdown
7 and the California Residential Code (CRC R314) require smoke alarms in every residential unit. In Martinez, enforcement is handled through Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire / CCCFPD) and the Martinez Building Division. Alarms must be installed: inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area (hallways serving bedrooms), and on every story of the dwelling including basements. Since July 1, 2014, all newly installed battery-only smoke alarms sold in California must have a non-removable 10-year sealed battery and a hush feature per SB 745.
Hardwired alarms with battery backup are required for new construction and major remodels. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required in any dwelling with a fossil-fuel appliance or attached garage under HSC §17926 (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act). At property sale or transfer, sellers must certify smoke and CO alarm compliance, this is typically handled via the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement. Landlords must provide working alarms at tenant move-in; tenants are responsible for battery replacement during tenancy unless otherwise agreed. Missing or non-functional alarms can trigger code enforcement action, and in rental properties, habitability complaints. ConFire offers free smoke alarms to qualifying low-income households through its community risk reduction program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my smoke alarm?
Do I need alarms in a rental?
What about carbon monoxide alarms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martinez
California rules heatmap·Compare Martinez to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Smoke Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle smoke detectors.