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

California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13113.8 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. Landlord violations can trigger civil penalties and complicate eviction filings, since Civil Code 1941.1 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.