Tuscaloosa, AL Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Sec. ' It provides that in buildings and structures used as rental property, smoke alarms or detectors must be AC powered with battery backup and interconnected with other smoke alarms in the structure where it is technically feasible. The code official is given authority to rule when interconnection or AC power is technically infeasible and, in that case, to authorize battery-operated smoke alarms instead. This sits within Article IV of Chapter 6, the Property Maintenance Code, adopted by Sec. 6-50 under Code of Ala. 1975, Sec.

11-45-8(c) as the 'Tuscaloosa Property Maintenance Code,' which governs habitability and safety conditions in existing buildings citywide and in the city's police jurisdiction. The amendment was carried through Ordinance No. 7542 (2010), Ordinance No. 7642 (2011), Ordinance No. 8335 (2016), and most recently Ordinance No. 9157 (2022), which is the currently codified version. Appeals of a code official's smoke-alarm compliance finding go to the Construction Board of Appeals, sitting as the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals, on a written application filed within 20 days.