Douglas County, CO Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Smoke alarms
- Each bedroom + each level
- Code basis
- Adopted IRC / 2018 IFC
- CO alarm (state)
- Within 15 ft of bedrooms
- County CO amendment
- Within 25 ft of fuel heater
- Rentals
- Landlord must provide alarms
Summary
Douglas County enforces the adopted International Residential and Fire Codes, which require smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level. Carbon monoxide alarms are required near sleeping areas; a County amendment requires one within 25 feet of any fuel-fired heater.
A carbon monoxide alarm shall be located within twenty-five feet of any fuel-fired heater.
Full Breakdown
Douglas County has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments. These require smoke alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story including basements, interconnected in new construction. Colorado law also requires carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of sleeping-room entrances in homes with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. Under a Douglas County amendment, "a carbon monoxide alarm shall be located within twenty-five feet of any fuel-fired heater." Alarms must be maintained in operating condition. Landlords are responsible for providing working alarms in rentals.
Violations & Fines
Building- and fire-code alarm violations are enforced through inspection and correction notices; occupancy or rental issues can trigger citations and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need carbon monoxide alarms in Colorado?
Where must smoke alarms be installed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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