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Pittsburg, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Required In Each
Required in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every floor
Hsc
HSC 13113.7 + CRC R314
10-year Sealed Battery
10-year sealed battery or hardwired (CA rule since 2015)
State Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal listing mandatory
Seller Disclosure
Seller disclosure required on home sale

Summary

Every dwelling in Pittsburg must have working smoke alarms installed per California Health and Safety Code section 13113.7 and the California Residential Code. Alarms are required in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor including basements. Since 2015, replacement alarms in California must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired models with battery backup and must bear the State Fire Marshal listing.

(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy.

(2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2014, for alterations, repairs, or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), the permit issuer shall not sign off on the completion of work until the permittee demonstrates that all smoke alarms required for the dwelling unit are devices approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114.

(4) Unless prohibited by local rules, regulations, or ordinances, a battery-operated smoke alarm, which otherwise met the standards adopted pursuant to Section 13114 for smoke alarms at the time of installation, satisfies the requirements of this section.

(d) (2) The owner of a hotel, motel, lodging house, apartment complex, or other multiple-dwelling complex in which units are rented or leased, and commencing January 1, 2014, the owner of a single-family dwelling that is rented or leased, shall be responsible for testing and maintaining alarms required by this section.

(e) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.

Source: CA Health and Safety Code 13113.7View official code

Full Breakdown

7 mandates smoke alarms in all dwellings used for sleeping. As incorporated into the California Residential Code section R314 and further amended by SB 745 (2013) and SB 1291 and related legislation, the current rules require installation of smoke alarms (1) in every bedroom, (2) in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area, and (3) on each additional story of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics. Alarms powered solely by a replaceable 9-volt battery cannot be sold or installed in California; replacement alarms must contain a nonremovable 10-year lithium sealed battery or be hardwired with battery backup, and must be listed by the State Fire Marshal.

When alterations, repairs, or additions requiring a permit exceed $1,000 and require entry to the existing dwelling, or when a bedroom is added, the entire dwelling must be brought up to current smoke alarm code. Interconnection of alarms is required in new construction so that when one alarm activates, all alarms sound. Sellers of single-family residences must provide a smoke alarm disclosure at the transfer of title. The Pittsburg Building Division enforces these provisions on permitted work, and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District inspects multi-family buildings and responds to alarm-related incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where must I install smoke alarms in my Pittsburg home?
California requires alarms inside each bedroom, in the hallway outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics.
Do I have to replace my old battery smoke alarms?
Replacement alarms sold or installed in California must have a 10-year sealed lithium battery or be hardwired with battery backup, and must carry the State Fire Marshal listing.
When a home is sold, who is responsible for the smoke alarms?
California law requires the seller to ensure the home is equipped with operable smoke alarms meeting current law and to provide written disclosure to the buyer at the time of transfer.

Sources & Official References

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