Milpitas, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Milpitas adopts the California Fire Code (Title V, Chapter 300) and the California Building/Residential Code, which together set smoke alarm requirements, and California state law adds parallel mandates. Under Fire Code Section 907.2.11 and the construction requirements for existing buildings (Section 1103.8), smoke alarms must be installed in each room used for sleeping, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each story of the dwelling, including basements. In new construction and major remodels, alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound. California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 separately requires smoke alarms in dwelling units, and landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining them and ensuring they work at the start of a tenancy. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required: California Health and Safety Code Section 17926 and Fire Code Section 915 require CO alarms in dwelling units that have a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. CO alarms must be placed outside each separate sleeping area in the vicinity of the bedrooms and on every level of the home, consistent with the manufacturer's instructions. These requirements apply to owner-occupied and rental homes alike. When a home is sold or a building permit is pulled for certain work, compliance with current smoke and CO alarm placement is typically verified.