California law and Palo Alto code require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. CO alarms are also required with gas appliances or attached garages.
Under California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and 17926, plus the California Residential Code adopted in Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 16, all dwellings must have smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity, and on every story including basements. New construction and substantial remodels require hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Existing homes may use battery-only 10-year sealed alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in any dwelling with a gas appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. At point of sale or rental, sellers and landlords must certify compliance. Palo Alto Fire conducts courtesy inspections and responds to alarm malfunction calls.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle smoke detectors.
See how Palo Alto's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.