Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Handout The information in

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Handout

The information in this handout provides general guidelines for the installation

requirements of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms per Sections R314 and R315 of

the Los Angeles County Residential Code. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are

required to be installed in dwelling units when building and safety permits are issued.

These devices are important fire and life safety features in your home, potentially saving

lives in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide release.

Smoke alarms requirements (R314)

Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations:

1. In each sleeping room.

2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the

bedrooms.

3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable

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.

Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet horizontally from the door or

opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would

prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by this section.

Carbon monoxide requirements (R315)

Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in the following locations:

1. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the

bedrooms.

2. On every occupiable level of a dwelling unit, including basements.

3. Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached

bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom.