Pico Rivera, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Municipal Code Chapter 15.60 amends Section 704.6.2, Interconnection, to require that where more than one smoke alarm is required within an individual dwelling or sleeping unit in a Group R occupancy, the alarms must be interconnected so activating one activates all of them in the unit; listed wireless alarms that all sound together satisfy this without physical wiring, and each alarm must be clearly audible in every bedroom over background noise with intervening doors closed. Interconnection is not required in buildings not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction, or in existing areas where repairs do not expose the structure by removing interior wall or ceiling finishes, unless an attic, crawl space or basement provides access without such removal.

The companion amended Section 704.6.3, Power Source, requires that in existing and new construction and newly classified Group R occupancies, required smoke alarms get their primary power from commercial building wiring with a battery backup, emit a low-battery signal, and use permanent wiring without a disconnecting switch other than for overcurrent protection. Battery backup is not required where alarms connect to an emergency electrical system, and battery-only alarms are permitted in buildings without commercial power. These sections operate within the property maintenance code's broader hazard-correction and unsafe-condition enforcement structure.