Westminster, CA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Westminster does not have a unique smoke-detector ordinance; alarm requirements derive from California Health and Safety Code and the California Building/Residential Code, which the city adopts through its building-code chapters (Title 15). Under Health and Safety Code section 13113.7 and the state Residential Code, smoke alarms are required in every dwelling intended for human occupancy: one inside each bedroom, one outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and at least one on every level of the home, including basements. In rental housing, the landlord is responsible for installing approved smoke alarms and ensuring they are operable at the start of a tenancy; tenants are generally responsible for notifying the owner of any defects. Carbon monoxide alarms are required separately under the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Health and Safety Code section 13260 et seq.) in any dwelling unit that has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. When building permits are issued for additions, alterations, or repairs above set thresholds, the work typically must bring the home up to current alarm standards. These are statewide minimums; the Orange County Fire Authority and Westminster's building officials enforce them locally through permitting and inspections rather than through a city-specific alarm law.