Showing ordinances that apply to West Falls Church, VA
West Falls Church is an unincorporated community (population 30,243) in Fairfax County, Virginia. Because West Falls Church is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Fairfax County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The smoke detectors rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Fairfax County requires smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and Statewide Fire Prevention Code. New construction requires hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story. Existing homes must have working alarms per SFPC Section 1103. Rental properties require functional alarms before occupancy.
Virginia's Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13 VAC 5-63) governs smoke alarm installation in Fairfax County. New residential construction and substantial renovations require smoke alarms that are hardwired to the building's electrical system with battery backup, interconnected so all alarms sound when one activates, and installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements. Alarms must meet UL 217. For existing homes, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) Section 1103.8 requires smoke alarms be maintained in operable condition. Since 2015, Virginia law has required 10-year sealed lithium battery alarms in many replacement scenarios — VA Code §27-97 and §27-97.1 require that any replacement alarm in existing dwellings (not interconnected/hardwired) be a 10-year sealed battery model. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages under USBC. Landlords must certify working alarms at the start of each tenancy under VA Code §55.1-1227 and test them at tenant request. The Fairfax County Fire Marshal offers free smoke alarms and installation to eligible residents through the Smoke Alarm Program. Tampering with or removing alarms in rental property is a violation. Hotels, short-term rentals, and group homes have enhanced requirements.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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