§ 17.40.440. Smoke alarms.

A.

Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detectors. For the purposes of this section, the term "smoke alarm" shall be construed to mean smoke alarms, smoke detectors, and alternative detection devices and systems approved by the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Fire Department.

B.

Required. It is the responsibility of the owner of each rental dwelling unit to install smoke alarms in accordance with this section in each rental dwelling unit intended to be used, or originally built or designed to be used for residential purposes, not to include any dwelling unit within any structure which has been converted entirely to a nonresidential use. The smoke alarms shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and providing a suitable audible alarm of the combustion. Where fuel fired appliances are used one smoke detector is required to be a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The smoke alarms shall be installed by July 1, 1980, in the manner provided in this section, unless any other provision of State or Federal law requires installation before that date. For the purposes of this section, "multifamily dwelling" means a building containing three or more dwelling units.

Exception: Existing approved smoke alarm installations in residential structures with fewer than three dwelling units where:

1)

The smoke alarm installation is existing and approved; and

2)

The smoke alarms have been maintained in operating condition.

C.

Location.

1)

On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.

2)

In each room used for sleeping purposes.

3)

In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

D.

Equipment. All devices, combinations of devices and equipment required in this section shall be approved by the Fire Department, and are to be installed in conformance with the provisions of Title 17 of the Code of the City of Annapolis and the manufacturer's Requirements for Installation.

E.

Power Source. Smoke alarms shall primarily operate on an AC electric power supply. Each smoke alarm shall be wired into the circuit serving the area in which it is located. No smoke alarm, shall be connected directly (permanently wired) to the electrical system of the structure unless an electrical permit first has been obtained.

F.

Maintenance. It is the responsibility of the property owner or agent to inspect annually and maintain any smoke alarm, in accordance with the manufacturer's warranty and suggested maintenance. In addition, the property owner shall provide any tenant access to a copy of the maintenance schedule, operating manual, and any other instructional or precautionary literature which the manufacturer may supply with the unit.

G.

Connection to Fire Alarm System. In new multifamily dwellings provided with a fire alarm system, all required alarms shall be connected to the fire alarm system.

H.

Certification at Change in Occupancy. At every change of occupancy or tenancy of every rental dwelling unit occasioned by or incidental to a sale, lease, sublease, or change in tenancy, it is the duty of the grantor to certify to the tenant, at the time of conveyance and before occupancy, that all smoke alarms as required by this section (or other applicable laws) are installed and in proper working condition.

I.

NFPA Standards Supplemented. This section is intended to be used with and supplemented by the applicable provisions of the following National Fire Protection Association standards: NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code; however, if there is any conflict between this section and the NFPA standards or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to them, the provisions of this section shall prevail.

(Prior code § 12-4.1)

(Ord. No. O-23-12, § I, 7-23-2012; Ord. No. O-12-16 Amended, § I, 5-23-2016; Ord. No. O-50-16 Amended, § I, 2-13-2017)