Contra Costa County, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- HSC 13113.7 + CRC R314
- Locations
- Each bedroom + outside + every level
- Battery standard (post-2015)
- 10-year sealed non-replaceable
- New construction
- Hardwired with battery backup, interconnected
- Sale certification
- Required by seller
Summary
California Health & Safety Code 13113.7 and the California Residential Code require working smoke alarms in all dwelling units in Contra Costa County. Alarms are required in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including basements. Alarms manufactured after 2015 must have a 10-year sealed battery.
(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.
(b) "Dwelling units intended for human occupancy," as used in this section, includes a one- or two-unit dwelling, lodging house, apartment complex, hotel, motel, condominium, stock cooperative, time-share project, or dwelling unit of a multiple-unit dwelling complex, or factory-built housing as defined in Section 19971.
(e) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.
Full Breakdown
8, plus the California Residential Code (CRC R314) and Fire Code (CFC 907). Every dwelling unit, whether single-family, duplex, apartment, condominium, or manufactured home, must have smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling including basements. Alarms must be interconnected in new construction and substantial remodels so that activation of one sounds all alarms. Since July 1, 2015, any battery-only smoke alarm sold or installed in California must be a 10-year sealed non-replaceable battery model bearing the California State Fire Marshal listing; replaceable 9V batteries are no longer acceptable for new installations.
Hardwired alarms with battery backup remain standard in new construction. Sellers of residential property must certify smoke alarm compliance at sale. Landlords are responsible for installation and maintenance in rental units, though tenants must notify of defects. Failure to maintain working smoke alarms is a violation that can be enforced through code enforcement and carries liability exposure under fire-loss litigation. The Contra Costa Fire Protection Districts provide installation assistance and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many smoke alarms does my house need?
Can I still buy 9-volt battery smoke alarms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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