Universal City, TX Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2015 IRC Section R314
- Bedroom alarm
- Required in each
- New build wiring
- Hardwired interconnected
- CO alarm trigger
- Fuel appliance or attached garage
- Replacement interval
- 10 years
Summary
Universal City requires smoke alarms in every new and substantially remodeled dwelling under its adopted 2015 IRC and IFC, with hard wired interconnected alarms on every level and inside each sleeping room.
Sec. 92.255. INSTALLATION AND LOCATION. (a) A landlord shall install at least one smoke alarm in each separate bedroom in a dwelling unit. In addition: (1) if the dwelling unit is designed to use a single room for dining, living, and sleeping, the smoke alarm must be located inside the room; (2) if multiple bedrooms are served by the same corridor, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the corridor in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms; and (3) if the dwelling unit has multiple levels, at least one smoke alarm must be located on each level.
Full Breakdown
Universal City has adopted the 2015 International Residential Code and the 2015 International Fire Code, both of which require working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit. Section R314 of the IRC requires alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including basements. In new construction and substantial alterations, alarms must be hard wired to the building electrical service with battery backup and must be interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms. For existing homes that are not being remodeled, battery operated alarms are acceptable but they must be in working condition. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required outside sleeping areas in homes with fuel burning appliances or attached garages under R315. Texas Property Code Chapter 92 requires landlords to install and maintain smoke alarms in rental dwellings, and tenants may request written repair records. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years from the manufacture date printed on the back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to upgrade to hard wired alarms?
Who pays for alarms in rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Universal City
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Smoke Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle smoke detectors.