Oak Lawn, IL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Base code
- International Fire Code 2018, Village-amended
- Dead battery
- Immediate replacement with electric alarm required
- Placement (existing R/I-1)
- Outside sleeping areas, every story
- State law layer
- Illinois Smoke Detector Act, 425 ILCS 60
- Enforced by
- Village fire code official at inspection
Summary
Oak Lawn requires smoke and carbon monoxide detectors under the 2018 International Fire Code as locally amended, and orders immediate replacement of any solely battery-operated smoke alarm found dead at inspection.
Detectors: Detectors shall comply with the international fire code with the changes outlined in section 7-3-1 of this code. ... Dead Batteries: Smoke alarms shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times. If during an inspection, the fire code official or a duly authorized representative finds a solely battery operated smoke alarm inoperable due to a dead battery, the building owner shall immediately replace the solely battery operated smoke alarm with a listed electrically operated smoke alarm.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Village of Oak Lawn adopts the International Fire Code, 2018, as its fire code and requires smoke and carbon monoxide detectors under Section 6-2-7-7, layering local amendments onto the base code at Section 7-3-1. Existing Group R and I-1 buildings must have an approved smoke alarm on the ceiling or wall outside every sleeping area and on each story, including basements, per the Village's amendment to IFC Section 1103.8.1. If a fire code official finds a battery-only smoke alarm dead at inspection, the owner must immediately swap it for an electrically operated alarm with battery backup; installation duties otherwise track the Illinois Smoke Detector Act, 425 ILCS 60.
Violations & Fines
Failing to replace a dead-battery smoke alarm once a fire code official flags it, or lacking required detectors in existing multi-family and I-1 buildings, is a fire code violation the Village enforces on inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oak Lawn require carbon monoxide detectors too?
What happens if my smoke alarm's battery dies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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