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.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle smoke detectors.
See how Universal City's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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