Fire Department

596 - Smoke Detector Requirements

The City of Santa Monica requires all property owners to install and maintain approved smoke detectors in each sleeping area, in the hall or area providing access to each sleeping area, and on each floor level of their residence. Although for most residential purposes smoke detectors may be battery-powered, the Santa Monica Fire Department strongly urges the installation of smoke detectors that receive their primary power from the building electrical system and are provided with battery back up. The majority of fire deaths that occur in residential occupancies are caused by smoke inhalation, so it is important that citizens have the early warning that smoke detectors provide.

Smoke detectors that are more than 10 years old must be replaced. Smoke detector batteries must be replaced annually. A good way to remember to change the batteries is to do it in the spring when you change your clocks at daylight saving time.

For more information on smoke detectors, please call (310) 458-8915, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.