When are smoke detectors required to be installed?
Pt. 1: There are a number of requirements for smoke detectors. If you are proposing a commercial occupancy, the requirements can be found in §907 of the California Fire Code. The requirements for a fire alarm are occupancy specific.

Pt. 2: If your project involves a single family dwelling, the requirements can be found in §R314 of the California Residential Code. At minimum smoke alarms are required in all new dwelling units.
• One alarm adjacent to each sleeping area (hall, foyer, balcony, or etc.)
• One alarm in each sleeping room.
• One at the top of each stairway of 24" rise or greater and in an accessible location by a ladder.
• There must be at least one smoke alarm on each floor level regardless of area usage.
• There must be a minimum of one smoke alarm in every basement area.

Pt. 3: There are additional requirements for dwelling units other than single family dwellings including rentals, hotels, motels, lodging houses, etc.

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1. I am building a new building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?
2. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install fire sprinklers? If so, what kind?
3. Who can install my fire sprinklers?
4. Where can I find a list of fire sprinkler contractors?
5. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?
6. I am building a new building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?
7. I am remodeling an existing building, do I need to install a fire alarm system?
8. Who can install my fire alarm system?
9. Can I install my own fire alarm system?
10. Where can I find a list of fire alarm contractors?
11. I am submitting for a fire alarm permit, what documentation is required?
12. How many copies of drawings and calculations are required for permit submittal?
13. When are smoke detectors required to be installed?
14. Can I use battery powered smoke detectors?
15. When are carbon monoxide alarms required?
16. Where do I install carbon monoxide detectors?
17. How large do my address numbers need to be?
18. Where do I put my numbers?
19. Do I need a fire hydrant?
20. Where can I obtain fire flow information?
21. When is a turnaround required?
22. What is a fire lane, and when is one required?
23. What is a KNOX Box? Why do I need one? Where do I buy it?
24. What is a Class K fire extinguisher? When do I need one?
25. What kind of fire extinguishers do I need for my business?
26. How many fire extinguishers do I need?