Phoenix, AZ Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Reference
- PBCC 2018 Ch. 9 / IRC R314
- City Ordinance
- G-5898 (eff. 4/18/2014)
- Battery Type
- Sealed 10-yr lithium (UL listed)
- Required Locations
- Each bedroom, hallway, every story
- Interconnection
- Required within unit
- Statewide Rule
- A.R.S. § 36-1637
Summary
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story; alarms must be interconnected. Battery-only alarms must be UL-listed with a sealed 10-year lithium battery. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.
IRC Section, R314.3.1 states "When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings." Notes (If smoke alarms are required): IRC Section R314.5 Interconnection. The alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. IRC Section R314.4 Power Source. Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code (Chapter 9, Sec. 907 and IRC R314), single- or multiple-station smoke alarms must be installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms (such as the hallway), and on each additional story of the dwelling unit, including basements and habitable attics. All alarms within a unit must be interconnected so that activation of one sounds all others. Phoenix Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014) further requires that any battery-operated smoke alarm sold or installed in the city be a UL-listed unit with a sealed, non-removable 10-year lithium battery, and no smoke alarm may be used more than 10 years past its date of manufacture.
For rental properties, Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-1637 makes the landlord responsible for installing approved smoke detectors in each unit when housing is built or substantially remodeled and for repairing detectors after the tenant gives written notice; the tenant is responsible for routine maintenance and testing. Confirm current installation specifics with the Phoenix Planning & Development Department (Trade Reference Tag 619, residential smoke alarms guideline) at 602-262-7811 and fire-related questions with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install required alarms, removing or disabling them, or installing battery-only units lacking a sealed 10-year lithium battery violates the Phoenix Building Construction Code and Ord. G-5898 and can trigger correction notices, permit holds, and civil penalties. Landlords who do not repair detectors after written tenant notice may face civil liability under A.R.S. § 36-1637.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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