Typical 1 & 2 family residences built before 1975

Smoke detectors are required as follows:

On every habitable level of the residence.

On the ceiling at the base of each stairway, but not in the stairway itself.

On the ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.

The smoke detectors may either be battery powered, hardwired or a

combination of the two.

If the smoke detector is located within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom

(containing a bathtub or shower), the smoke detector will be required to be a

photoelectric detector.

If the smoke detector is outside of 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing a

bathtub or shower) you must utilize either:


  • A dual detector (containing both ionization and photoelectric technologies); OR
  • Two separate detectors (one photoelectric and one ionization).

Low voltage household warning systems are exempt from the dual detection

requirement.


Carbon monoxide alarms are required as follows:

On every level of the residence, including habitable portions of basements and

attics and must be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door.

Combination detectors (photoelectric smoke and carbon monoxide detector)

may be used if the detector is within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom

(containing a bathtub or shower).

Combination detectors (ionization smoke and carbon monoxide detector) may

be used if the detector is outside of 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom (containing

a bathtub or shower).

May be either: battery powered, plug-in with battery backup, hardwired with

battery backup, or system type.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement/installation.


It is important to note that Pre-1975 homes are now required to have smoke detectors with

10 year non-rechargeable, non-replaceable batteries. This means that any new smoke

detector installed in a Pre-1975 home:


After 12/1/16 must comply with the 10 year sealed battery rule.

Before 12/1/16 and currently less than ten years old are grandfathered.


Please note that applications have moved to a new town-wide permitting system. Click here or the image below to complete the permit online. If it is your first visit, please register as a new user.

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