Reading, PA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- existing R-2, 3-9 units
- Common areas
- hardwired, interconnected alarms
- In-unit
- alarms per sleeping area, story
- 10+ units
- full building alarm system
Summary
Existing 3-to-9-unit Group R-2 rental buildings in Reading must have hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms in common areas plus alarms in every sleeping area and story under a local Fire Code amendment.
907.2.9.4, Group (R-2). The following smoke alarms and/or fire detection systems shall be installed and maintained in existing R-2 occupancies... 1. EXISTING 3-9 DWELLING UNITS a. Common Area. Smoke alarms for all common areas, including hall, corridors, stairways, cellars and basements of buildings, shall be directly hard wired to the buildings power supply and shall be interconnected... clearly audible in all portions of the structure over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed which complies with NFPA 72.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The city amended International Fire Code § 907.2.9 by adding § 907.2.9.4, Group (R-2), setting alarm rules for existing rental occupancies. In buildings with 3 to 9 dwelling units, common areas, halls, corridors, stairways, cellars and basements, need smoke alarms hardwired to building power and interconnected so one activation is audible throughout the structure with doors closed, per NFPA 72. Inside each unit, single- or multiple-station alarms are required outside sleeping areas, in every room used for sleeping, and on every story, interconnected within the unit. Buildings of 10-21 units need a full common-area alarm system; 22 or more units and high-rises need building-wide automatic/manual systems.
Violations & Fines
Fire Code violations are summary offenses under amended § 112.4: a fine of $500 to $1,000, plus up to 90 days imprisonment if unpaid, enforced by the Office of Fire Marshal/fire and building official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Reading landlords have to interconnect smoke alarms?
Are battery-only smoke alarms enough in a Reading rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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