Stockton, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Stockton enforces California smoke alarm requirements through its adopted Fire Code (SMC Chapter 15.12) and Building Code. California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms approved by the State Fire Marshal in every dwelling intended for human occupancy. Alarms must be installed on the ceiling or wall outside each separate sleeping area, inside each bedroom, and on every story including basements (but not crawl spaces or uninhabitable attics). Since January 1, 2014, all newly installed smoke alarms in California must contain a sealed, non-removable 10-year lithium battery per HSC 13114. Carbon monoxide detectors are also required in all dwelling units with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages, per HSC 17926 and 17926.1. For rental properties, landlords must provide working smoke and CO detectors at the start of each tenancy and tenants are responsible for testing and maintaining them. Existing homes must upgrade to compliant alarms upon remodel, sale, or when replacing batteries. Hard-wired interconnected alarms are required in new construction so that when one alarm sounds, all alarms in the dwelling activate. Stockton Fire Prevention inspects multifamily dwellings for smoke alarm compliance.