Amendments to Rules Requiring Installation of Smoke Alarms

Statement of Basis and Purpose of Proposed Rule

The proposed rule implements amendments to Administrative Code §§ 27-2045 and 27-2046 which require owners of residential dwellings to install smoke detectors in dwelling units. The amendments require that all smoke detectors installed after the effective date of the law be the type that uses a non-removable, non-replaceable battery that powers the alarm for a minimum of ten years, and which sounds an audible notification at the end of the useful life of the alarm. The law requires that where a smoke alarm was installed prior to the effective date and the useful life of the alarm is not known, that it be replaced with the newly required model within seven years of the effective date of the law. The law further permits an owner to collect a maximum of twenty-five dollars, or a maximum of fifty dollars where a combined smoke and carbon monoxide detecting device is installed for the cost of providing and installing each device. The occupant has one year from the date of the installation to make the reimbursement.