Paterson, NJ Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

As per the Uniform Fire Code of the State of New Jersey, N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq., the issuance of a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide compliance, CSDCMC, is required before any one- or two-family dwelling (R-3 or R-4) is sold, leased or otherwise made subject to a change of occupancy. This inspection requirement applies only to one- and two-family dwellings and not to multiple dwellings (R-2) that are inspected by the State Division of Multi-Dwellings. The CSDCMC is valid for a period of six months and is not transferable.

B. At least one smoke detector must be present on each level of the home, including the basement and attic. All smoke detectors must be located on the ceiling, no closer than 18 inches from any wall. A smoke detector must be located outside of every bedroom but not more than 10 feet from the bedroom doorway. If the bedrooms are close enough, it is possible that one detector will provide coverage for multiple bedrooms. If in order to comply with the code, a required detector is to be installed in the kitchen, the detector must be a photoelectric-activated detector as opposed to an ionization detector. An acceptable alternative to using the photoelectric detector would be to install a standard ionization-type detector inside that bedroom on the ceiling.

C.