Stafford Township, NJ Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

These fire rules sit in § 164-16 of the Rental Property chapter and apply only to dwelling units holding a seasonal rental license, meaning rentals of fewer than 175 consecutive days, including short-term rentals of 31 days or less. They cover Manahawkin and every other part of Stafford Township. The baseline in § 164-16B is a single sentence with no grace period: smoke detectors must be in working order at all times.

Section 164-16C adds a heavier tier for larger structures. Any structure with one or more seasonal rental licensed units and a combined maximum permitted occupancy of eight persons or more must meet four requirements. First, every interior common area needs an approved smoke detection system on an alternating current circuit that is constantly active, cannot be deactivated by any interconnected switching device, and complies with NFPA 70-93, the National Electrical Code. Second, a structure with sleeping rooms on a third floor or higher, where that floor is more than 16 feet above the ground, must have an approved fire escape in addition to an approved means of egress. Third, doors opening onto a passageway at grade or an exit stair must be self-closing or automatic closing by listed closing device. Fourth, corridor doors in the unit must be at least 1 3/8 inch solid core wood or approved equal, with approved door closers and no glass panels other than approved wire glass in metal frames.

Two neighboring rules in the same section matter for fire safety. Under § 164-16A, no bedroom door can have a padlock, combination or keyed lock designed to lock from the outside. Under § 164-16D, no curtains, sheets, cardboard or other material can be used to erect temporary partitions between beds or sleeping areas. Under § 164-10, no seasonal rental license is issued until the unit has been inspected and found in full compliance with the Township Code.