HomeMy WebLinkAboutSmoke Detector LocationsSmoke Detector
Locations in Existing Buildings
Iowa City Fire Code and the Iowa City Housing Code require smoke detectors to be installed on each floor
level of all single-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, rooming units and in common areas of residential
structures, as well as all bedrooms and hallways leading to bedrooms.
Smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the approved manufacturer’s instructions.
• Smoke detectors are required in each rooming unit.
• Smoke detectors installed in the area giving access to
sleeping rooms should be installed away from bath-
rooms, kitchens, ceiling fans, or air ducts to avoid false
alarms from dust, moisture, or particles of combustion.
• Basement smoke detectors must be mounted on the
ceiling near bottom of the stairway, but away from laun-
dries and fuel burning equipment.
• Multiple dwellings are required to have additional smoke
detectors installed in common corridors and stairways.
- Each 30’ of common corridor
- Top of stairs serving one adjacent floor
- Top and bottom of multiple floor stairs
• Smoke detectors must be maintained.
- Change batteries at least once a year
- Test regularly for power
- Vacuum interior to remove dust particles
Battery operated smoke detectors are generally accepted in existing housing, however re-
modeling projects may require an additional power source, interconnection between smoke
detectors and additional locations. For details contact Iowa City Building Inspection – 356-
5120 or Iowa City Housing Inspection - 356-5130.
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