Taunton, MA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Section 19-42 of the Taunton Code, added in 1982 and last amended in 1989, directs the Fire Department to inspect "dwelling units sold within the City" for the number and location of approved smoke detectors, tracking the state statute at MGL c. 148. This local inspection duty sits inside Article II of the Municipal Employees chapter, the same article that gives the Fire Chief general authority under § 19-41 to be "vigilant in the enforcement of all laws and ordinances relating to the prevention of fires" and to cause prosecution for violations.

The City backs the inspection with its own fee schedule at § 250-12(16), Article V, Fire Department Fees, adopted 6-27-1989 and last amended 2015. That schedule prices the smoke-detector inspection by building size: $50 for a one-family dwelling, $100 for a two-family, $150 for a three-to-six-family building, and $500 for anything seven units or larger. A separate reinspection, itemized as item (17), costs $30 whenever the first visit finds detectors missing, miscounted, or misplaced and the seller has to bring the department back before the sale can close.

The fees are collected by the Fire Department under the same § 250-12 schedule that also covers oil burner permits, propane and tank permits, and sprinkler and fire-alarm inspections, so a seller arranging a smoke-detector check is dealing with the same office and fee structure as any other Fire Department permit in the city.