Below outlines the methodology for indicating requirements for each of the property types:

Download 10-Year Smoke Legislation PDF

Single-Family

Unless otherwise indicated, the dates listed for single-family homes pertain only to new housing built on or after the effective date. In the vast majority of states, all solely battery-operated alarms sold within California, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and New York must be 10-Year. There are certainly outliers that are fairly wide-ranging. Details such as exceptions are better answered independently and on a state-by-state basis.

Multi-Family

Likewise, unless otherwise indicated, the dates listed for multi-family pertain to new multi-family housing. The vast majority of these were implemented by International Building Code adoptions, with further laws passed in several states to extend requirements to existing multi-family housing.

Hotel/Motel Rooms

Like multi-family housing, hotel and motel buildings fall within the scope of the International Building Code. Depending on number of inhabitants, alarm power source etc., most of these facilities that have a 10-Year requirement also have statewide requirements.

Schools (K-12)

Most laws requiring 10-Year alarms in schools are relatively recent and pertain to both new and existing facilities. Alarm type (hard-wired vs battery), quantity, installation guidelines and location vary state-by-state.

Dormitories

Most laws requiring 10-Year alarms in dormitory facilities have statewide requirements. Details such as alarm type (hardwired vs battery) and population amount vary state-by-state.

Daycare/Childcare/Foster Care Facilities

Buildings within this category straddle the line between residential and commercial facilities, as day cares may operate as commercial facilities, or out of single-family homes. Given the variation that exists within this category, we would recommend following up on specific states in question and type of care facility.

Adult Care Facilities

Adult care facilities can encompass anything from a typical nursing home to specialized, private centers for patients with disabilities, dementia, etc. Unless otherwise indicated, the dates listed pertain to new adult care facilities only. Alarm type (hard-wired vs battery) and quantity may vary depending on the size of the facility. Given the variation that exists within this category, we would recommend following up on specific states and facilities in question.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided herein is BRK's summary interpretation. It is only intended to be used as general reference material. It is neither authoritative nor intended to take the place of either the written law or applicable regulations. This should not be construed as an attempt to offer or render legal advice, a legal opinion, or otherwise engage in the practice of law. Check with your state and local authorities for complete information.