Santa Cruz, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Smoke- and carbon-monoxide-alarm requirements in unincorporated Santa Cruz County come from California state law rather than a unique county ordinance. Under California Health and Safety Code 13113.7, State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms must be installed in dwelling units; since July 1, 2014, battery-operated smoke alarms generally must use a non-replaceable 10-year sealed battery. Current building-code placement standards require smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including basements. The state-level penalty for a smoke-alarm violation is an infraction with a maximum fine of about $200 per offense. For carbon monoxide, HSC 17926 (the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act) requires owners of existing dwellings that have a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage to install a State Fire Marshal-listed CO alarm. Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining working alarms at the start of each tenancy, and sellers must ensure compliance at point of sale (with a limited statutory remedy for a missing CO alarm at sale). New construction and additions in the unincorporated county must also meet current California Building/Residential Code alarm provisions through the county building department. If you rent, your landlord must keep alarms operational; tenants should report failures in writing.