California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires working smoke alarms in all residences. Santa Clara County enforces this plus additional rules for battery-backup, interconnection, and carbon monoxide alarms.
All dwellings in unincorporated Santa Clara County must have operable smoke alarms per California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and the California Residential Code as adopted by the County. Required locations are inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements. Alarms must be less than 10 years old and may be battery-operated in existing homes or hardwired with battery backup in newer construction. New construction and substantial remodels (more than 1,000 square feet of addition or more than 50 percent valuation) require interconnected hardwired alarms so that when one sounds they all sound. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required under H and S Code 17926 in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Landlords must provide and maintain alarms at rental occupancy under H and S Code 13113.8. The County Fire Department (Santa Clara County Fire) inspects during permits and responds to malfunctions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, the County Noise Ordinance (Title B, Division B11, Chapter VIII of the County Ordinance Code) sets exterior noise limit...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, fence height is regulated by the County Zoning Ordinance administered by the Department of Planning and Development. Fe...
Santa Clara County, CA
Residential pools and spas in unincorporated Santa Clara County are governed by California Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929 (the Pool Sa...
Santa Clara County, CA
Unincorporated Santa Clara County allows movable tiny homes as a substitute for one Accessory Dwelling Unit under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.10.015(E), adopt...
Santa Clara County, CA
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, sheds are regulated as accessory buildings under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.020. A shed whose combined length plus w...
Santa Clara County, CA
Pool fencing in unincorporated Santa Clara County is governed primarily by California state law - the Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. Health & Safety Code 115...
See how Santa Clara County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.