Carbon Monoxide Information
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors
Per California Senate Bill 183, beginning July 1, 2011, all existing single family homes must have carbon monoxide alarms. All other types of residences (apartments, condominiums, etc.) will need carbon monoxide alarms beginning January 1, 2013.
The new requirements apply if ANY of the following are present within a home:
- Attached garage
- Natural gas or propane furnace and/or
- Gas or wood-burning fireplace
For existing homes, the CO alarms may be battery powered. At a minimum, CO alarms are required:
- Outside of each sleeping area or bedroom and
- On each level of the home
New California Building Code Requirements
Effective January 1, 2011, the California Building Code has similar requirements for all new homes and for existing homes undergoing alterations and repairs requiring building permits. Further information about specific requirements is available as follows:
- Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are required on all residential building permits exceeding $1000. Exemptions apply to homes that have no fossil fuel-burning appliances, fireplace, or attached garage.
- Carbon monoxide alarms or detectors must be installed in accordance with CRC Section R314.6.2 and R315.2 respectively.
- For a list of CO alarms currently approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing/. Select 5276 (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) from the "Category" dropdown list and hit the "Search" button.
