Pittsburgh, PA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Under the PA Uniform Construction Code (Act 45 of 1999) adopting the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC Section R314), every dwelling unit in Pittsburgh must have smoke alarms installed in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling including the basement but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In new construction and major renovations, smoke alarms must be hardwired to the building electrical system with battery backup, and all alarms within a dwelling unit must be interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms. Listed wireless alarms satisfy the interconnection requirement. Carbon monoxide alarms are required under the PA Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act (35 P.S. 7225.1-7225.5) in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. CO alarms must be installed on each level and outside sleeping areas. Pittsburgh PLI enforces these requirements during building permit inspections and rental property inspections under Chapter 781. Landlords must ensure all alarms are functional at lease commencement.