Sonora, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Tuolumne County has not been found to publish a separate countywide smoke-alarm ordinance for unincorporated areas; the controlling rules come from California law and the California Residential/Building Code. California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires a smoke alarm in every dwelling intended for human occupancy, with alarms placed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including basements. Since July 1, 2014, the State Fire Marshal has required battery-only smoke alarms sold in California to contain a non-removable, non-replaceable battery rated to last at least ten years, and new alarms must be State Fire Marshal approved. California also requires carbon monoxide alarms (Health and Safety Code 17926) in dwelling units that have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. For rentals, the landlord is generally responsible for installing working alarms at the start of a tenancy. Tuolumne County adds a local layer for short-term rentals: CAL FIRE / Tuolumne County Fire requires short-term rentals in the county to pass a fire and life-safety inspection, which covers working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms among other safety items. Because much of the county lies in very high fire hazard severity zones, owners should treat alarm maintenance and battery replacement as essential. Verify any STR inspection details and current building-code adoption with Tuolumne County Fire Prevention (209-533-5502) or the county building division.