Portland, OR Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Required in
- every sleeping room and area
- Also required on
- each additional story, incl. basements/attics
- Devices must be
- approved, operable, manufacturer-installed
- Inspected by
- Portland Permitting & Development, Fire Bureau
- Governing code
- Title 29 Property Maintenance
Summary
Portland requires smoke detectors in every sleeping room, in the area immediately outside each sleeping room, and on every additional story, including basements and attics with habitable space, under the property maintenance code.
Smoke detectors sensing visible or invisible particles of combustions or alarms are required in all buildings in which a room or area is designated for sleeping purposes either as a primary use or use on a casual basis. Smoke detectors or alarms must be installed in each sleeping room or area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and attics with habitable space. All detectors or alarms must be approved, must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, must plainly identify the testing agency that inspected or approved the device, and must be operable.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 29.30.240 requires smoke detectors in any building with a room or area used for sleeping, even on a casual basis. Detectors must be installed in each sleeping room or area, in the immediate vicinity of sleeping rooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and attics with habitable space. Every detector must be an approved model, installed per the manufacturer's instructions, must plainly identify the testing agency that approved it, and must be kept operable. Portland Permitting & Development and the Portland Fire Bureau coordinate inspections under Chapter 29.60 of the Property Maintenance code.
Violations & Fines
Inspectors from Portland Permitting & Development or the Portland Fire Bureau can order repairs to bring a building into compliance; unresolved violations go before the Code Hearings Officer under Title 22, with further civil enforcement available in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portland require smoke detectors in rental units?
Who enforces Portland's smoke detector rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
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