Tonawanda, NY Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Adopted by the Town Board on May 20, 1985 by Local Law No. 2-1985, Chapter 174 applies within the Town of Tonawanda but excludes the Village of Kenmore, which enforces its own code (Section 174-2). The duty falls on the owner of every two-family dwelling, multiple dwelling and mixed occupancy unit to install and maintain approved smoke detectors under Section 174-4. Section 174-5 sets the specifics: at least one detector must sit adjacent to each sleeping space, avoiding dead airspace and mounted on or near the ceiling, and at least one more must go in every stairway and public hallway, both to the standard of National Fire Protection Association Standards 74 as adopted November 18, 1980.

Detectors may be hard-wired, plugged into an outlet fitted with a plug-retainer device, or battery powered, but a battery unit needs a self-monitored low battery alarm, and an electric unit can never be wired through any switch but the main power supply. Alarms in dwelling units must be audible in adjoining sleeping areas with doors closed, and alarms in hallways and stairways must be audible throughout the area served. Every detector must carry Underwriters' Laboratories or Factory Mutual approval and give a visible indication when energized.

The owner, manager or agent bears the ongoing duty to keep every required detector in proper working order under Section 174-5B. A mixed occupancy unit with one owner-occupied dwelling unit is exempt under Section 174-6. The Code Enforcement Officer enforces the chapter under Section 174-7, amended March 26, 2007.