Maryland Public Safety Article 9-104 requires sealed, tamper-resistant smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries in all Rockville homes. CO detectors required on every level.
Under Maryland Public Safety Article 9-104, all battery-operated smoke alarms in Rockville must be sealed, tamper-resistant units with long-life batteries and a silence/hush button. Alarms must be replaced when the existing alarm exceeds 10 years from the date of manufacture, when an alarm fails to respond to operability testing, upon a change of tenant if the unit has not been upgraded to sealed-battery alarms within the preceding 10 years, or when a building permit is issued for an additional dwelling unit or alteration. Smoke alarms must be installed outside all sleeping areas and on each level of the home including basements. Photoelectric alarms must be placed at least 6 feet from cooking appliances, while ionization alarms require 10 feet of clearance. Montgomery County Bill 14-13 additionally requires carbon monoxide detectors on every level of a dwelling, including basements, and near sleeping areas. The Rockville Fire Marshal enforces these requirements during inspections and can be reached at 240-314-8240.
Failure to maintain required smoke alarms is a violation of Maryland Public Safety Article 9-104. Landlords face fines and potential liability for noncompliance during tenancy changes. CO detector violations enforced under Montgomery County Code Chapter 22.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle smoke detectors.
See how Rockville's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.