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San Bernardino, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Smoke alarm law
CA H&S 13113.7 requires alarms in every bedroom and level
CO alarm law
CA H&S 13262 requires CO alarms when fuel appliance or attached garage
Battery rule
Replacement alarms must be 10-year sealed battery units
Sale or remodel
Alarms must be upgraded to current code at transfer or major remodel
Habitability
Missing alarms are a rental defect under Civil Code 1941.1

Summary

San Bernardino dwellings must have working smoke alarms in every sleeping room and on every level under CA H&S 13113.7, plus CO alarms in homes with fuel appliances or attached garages.

13113.7. (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. [...] (4) Unless prohibited by local rules, regulations, or ordinances, a battery-operated smoke alarm, which otherwise met the standards adopted pursuant to Section 13114 for smoke alarms at the time of installation, satisfies the requirements of this section. [...] (d) (2) The owner of a hotel, motel, lodging house, apartment complex, or other multiple-dwelling complex in which units are rented or leased, and commencing January 1, 2014, the owner of a single-family dwelling that is rented or leased, shall be responsible for testing and maintaining alarms required by this section [...]. (e) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of two hundred dollars ($200) for each offense.

Source: California H&S Code 13113.7 Smoke AlarmsView official code

Full Breakdown

8 set statewide smoke alarm requirements that apply in every city and county, and San Bernardino enforces the state standard through the California Residential Code as adopted by the city and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. Every dwelling unit used for sleeping purposes must have a smoke alarm inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the vicinity of the bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling including basements. For new construction and substantial alterations, the alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so all alarms sound together.

Existing homes that are sold, transferred, or substantially remodeled must be upgraded to meet the current requirements as part of the permit or transfer. All replacement alarms installed after July 2015 in California must be 10-year sealed battery units bearing the State Fire Marshal listing. California Health and Safety Code Section 13262 requires carbon monoxide alarms in all dwelling units that contain a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. CO alarms must be outside each sleeping area and on every level. 1 treats missing alarms as a habitability defect. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District distributes free smoke alarms and offers installation assistance through community risk reduction programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly must my smoke alarms be?
Inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area in the hallway, and on every level of the home including basements.
Do I need a CO alarm?
Yes if your home has any gas appliance, wood fireplace, or attached garage, under California Health and Safety Code 13262.
Can I still use 9-volt battery alarms?
Existing units remain legal, but any replacement in California must be a listed 10-year sealed battery alarm.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino

All San Bernardino rules

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