Del Norte County, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

California sets statewide smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules that apply in unincorporated Del Norte County. Under California Health & Safety Code Section 13113.7, smoke alarms approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal must be installed in each dwelling intended for human occupancy, per the manufacturer's instructions, with no exception for single-family homes. Section 13113.8 requires that every single-family dwelling sold (since January 1, 1986) have an operable, State Fire Marshal-approved smoke detector, and the seller must give the buyer a written statement of compliance. For rentals, owners must install and maintain additional alarms to meet current building standards. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Health & Safety Code Section 13260 et seq.) requires carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit that has a fossil-fuel-burning appliance (gas, propane, wood, oil) or an attached garage — the requirement took effect July 1, 2011 for single-family homes. Current California Building/Residential Code standards generally require a smoke alarm in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. In rental units, landlords are responsible for installing and testing alarms at the start of a tenancy; tenants must notify the owner of any inoperable alarm.