NOTE: Most of us (and our sellers) have improved our (their) homes for more than $1,000.00 (without permits) Therefore, to be safe a smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom in addition to being centrally located in the corridor or area outside the bedroom.
Its is ALWAYS better to be safe that sorry! No Exceptions.
Smoke Detectors
California law requires that every single-family dwelling and factory-built housing have operable smokedetectors that are approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the State Fire Marshal's regulations. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.8.)
The smoke detectors must be centrally located outside each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home
with bedrooms upstairs and downstairs would need two smoke detectors, one in the hallway outside the
bedrooms(s) upstairs and one in the hallway outside the bedroom(s) downstairs.
Furthermore, for any new construction or any additions, alterations, repairs after August 14, 1992 that exceeds $1,000 in cost and for which a permit is required, a smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom in addition to being centrally located in the corridor or area outside the bedroom.
For new construction only, the smoke detector must be hardwired with a battery backup. For all other homes,the smoke detector may be battery operated. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13113.7.)
Sellers must check with the local department of building and safety in which the home is located to determine
any additional local requirements.
Unless exempt, the transferor/seller must provide the buyer with a written statement indicating that the property is in compliance with the law governing smoke detectors. This requirement may be satisfied by using C.A.R. Form SDC.
The exemptions are as follows:
*Transfers that require a copy of a public report be given to the buyer.
* Transfers pursuant to court order.
* Transfers during foreclosure or trustee’s sale or through deed in lieu of foreclosure (REO transfers are not exempted, however).
* Transfers by a fiduciary of a trust, decedent’s estate, guardianship or conservatorship
* Transfers between co-owners.
* Transfers to a spouse or to a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or other direct ancestor or descendant. Transfers between spouses in connection with a dissolution of marriage or similar proceeding.
* Transfers by the State Controller pursuant to the Unclaimed Property Law.
* Transfers as a result of failure to pay property taxes.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Residential (CA Residential Code, 2010)All newly constructed detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height that contain fuel burning appliances or an attached garage. Also, when such an existing dwelling requires a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000.
Commercial (CA Building Code, 2010)
Group homes, assisted living facilities housing more than 16 persons in a supervised environment who are capable of responding to an emergency. Also includes hotels, boarding houses, apartments, dorms, adult and child day care facilities (all I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwellings and facilities).
EXISTING HOMES
Single-Family Dwellings – Required beginning July 1, 2011
Multi-Family Dwellings – Required beginning January 1, 2013
Any single-family dwelling, duplex, lodging house, private dormitory, hotel, motel, condo, time-share or multiple unit dwelling that contains a fossil-fuel burning heater, appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
New Construction: Must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.
Existing Homes: May be battery operated, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.
Installation : CO alarms must be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity and on every level.