Santa Barbara County, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Santa Barbara County follows statewide California requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms; these are not set by a unique county ordinance but by the California Health & Safety Code and the adopted California Residential and Building Codes that the County enforces. California Health & Safety Code section 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in dwelling units, and for rentals the owner must ensure that smoke alarms are operable at the start of each new tenancy. Under the building-code standards, smoke alarms must generally be installed inside each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling, including basements. Carbon monoxide alarms are required by Health & Safety Code section 17926.1 in most dwelling units that have a fuel-burning (gas, oil, wood) appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage; CO alarms go outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each level. Working smoke and CO alarms are treated as part of a landlord's habitability obligation under California law, and a landlord cannot waive this duty by lease. Tenants have a corresponding duty to notify the owner or property manager when they become aware of an inoperable alarm. New construction, additions, and substantial remodels in the unincorporated county must meet the current code edition's alarm provisions as a condition of permit and inspection. Always confirm specifics with the Santa Barbara County Building & Safety Division.