Merced County, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Smoke-alarm requirements in unincorporated Merced County are set by California statute and the state-adopted fire and building codes rather than a stand-alone county ordinance. California Health & Safety Code Section 13113.7 requires that a smoke detector approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal be installed, per the manufacturer's instructions, in every dwelling intended for human occupancy. The California Residential Code and California Fire Code-adopted countywide through Merced County Code Section 9.24.010 (2022 California Fire Code)-require smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of a dwelling, with interconnection and hard-wiring required in new construction and certain remodels. Carbon monoxide alarms are required under California law in all single-family and multi-family dwellings that contain a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage; they must be placed outside sleeping areas and on each level, including basements. Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining the required alarms, and the requirements apply on sale or transfer of a home. Because these are statewide minimums, they apply to homes in unincorporated Merced County the same as elsewhere in California. There is no indication that the county imposes additional smoke-detector rules beyond the state code.