§ 31-9. Smoke alarms.

(a)

Smoke alarms shall be located in each of the following locations of every regulated business:

(1)

In each sleeping area whether occupied by a resident, staff member of the regulated business or owner of the structure.

(2)

Outside of and in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area. For purposes of this section, "immediate vicinity" means a location no further than seven and one-half feet from the entry point of the sleeping area.

(3)

On every story of the structure including basements. For purposes of this provision only, in a structure that has split levels without an intervening door between immediately adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for both the upper and the immediately adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.

(b)

With respect to regulated businesses in operation prior to the enactment of this chapter, the smoke alarms required by this section shall be installed and fully operational on or before January 1, 2015. With respect to regulated businesses that come into existence after the enactment of this chapter, the smoke alarms shall be installed and fully operational prior to housing any residents.

(c)

When activated, all smoke alarms shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants of the sleeping area in which the alarm is installed. Audible alarms shall produce a sound level of not less than 85 dBA as measured ten feet from the smoke alarm. If a resident is deaf or hard of hearing, the smoke alarms located in that resident's sleeping area shall provide a visual alert upon activation, e.g., strobe light.

(d)

The primary power source for a smoke alarm required under this section shall be household alternating current (AC) or a lithium battery with a functional life expectancy of ten years or more. When a hard-wired household alternating current (AC) alarm is installed, there shall also be lithium battery automatic backup in the event of a failure or interruption of the AC primary power source. When an alarm with a lithium battery with a life expectancy of ten years or more is installed as the primary power source, the alarm unit shall be one in which the battery is sealed within the unit and cannot be removed from the unit without causing serious damage to the unit. No seriously damaged or inoperative smoke alarm shall meet the requirements of this section. Smoke alarms powered by alkaline batteries or those powered by lithium batteries not sealed within the unit do not comply with the requirements of this section for required alarms. Additional smoke alarms which are installed but are not required by this article may be powered by alternating current or a battery.

(e)

All smoke alarms installed in a structure, whether required or not by this section, shall be maintained in full operating condition at all times.

(Ord. of 12-11-2014)