Smoke alarms in Wake County dwellings follow the NC Residential Code §R314 and the NC Fire Code §907. Homes built or substantially renovated on or after June 30, 1999 must have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, one within 10 feet of every sleeping area, and at least one on each story including basements. NCGS §42-42(a)(5) makes operable smoke alarms a landlord obligation in rental units.
NCRC §R314.3 specifies the locations: in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story (including basements and habitable attics). Alarms must be interconnected so that activation of one alarm sounds all alarms (§R314.4) in new construction. NC Fire Code §907.2.11 requires single- and multiple-station smoke alarms in Group R-2 (apartments) and Group R-4 occupancies. Under NCGS §42-42, landlords must provide operable smoke detectors at the start of tenancy, repair or replace upon written notice, and provide new batteries annually for battery-operated units; the tenant is responsible for battery replacement during tenancy. Many Wake County fire stations and the Raleigh Fire Department give residents free smoke alarms upon request.
Failing to maintain operable smoke alarms is a habitability violation under NCGS §42-44 (tenant may pursue rent abatement, injunction, or actual damages). Fire-code violations are Class 3 misdemeanors under NCGS §143-138(j) with fines up to $500 per occurrence.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(H), (I), and (L) target industrial and commercial noise: construction over 1,000 ft from residences, loading/unloading noise at night...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(B), (C), (F) prohibits vehicle exhaust noise from out-of-repair or modified vehicles, gong/siren on non-emergency vehicles, and any i...
Wake County, NC
Wake County treats cats the same as dogs under Ch. 91 — owners must vaccinate against rabies at 4 months and keep current tag displayed at all times per §91....
Wake County, NC
Wake County does NOT impose a numeric limit on pets in unincorporated areas. Cities vary: Raleigh allows up to 4 dogs/cats over 4 months per dwelling under §...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any dwelling, school, church, warehouse, pl...
Wake County, NC
Wake County does not regulate street vending in unincorporated areas (no significant pedestrian retail districts). Within Raleigh, sidewalk vending requires ...
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