California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and the California Building Code require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story of all dwellings in San Ramon. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup in new construction and interconnected. Sellers must disclose compliance at property transfer.
San Ramon enforces California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and California Residential Code Section R314, which mandate smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including basements in all dwelling units. New construction and additions exceeding $1,000 in value or requiring permits must install hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup. Existing single-family homes may use battery-only alarms, but since 2015 any replacement battery-only alarm must be a 10-year sealed lithium battery model per Senate Bill 745. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required by Health and Safety Code Section 17926 in all dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Smoke alarms must be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. At property sale, California Civil Code Section 1102.6 requires sellers to disclose smoke alarm compliance through the Transfer Disclosure Statement. Landlords are responsible for installing alarms in rental units, while tenants must test them and notify the landlord of failures. SRVFPD offers a free smoke alarm program for qualifying low-income and senior residents, providing and installing alarms at no cost. Failure to maintain required alarms can result in code enforcement action and creates significant liability in the event of fire injuries.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle smoke detectors.
See how San Ramon's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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