Are you ready for the new smoke detector requirements?
Beginning on April 1, 2019, all new and replacement smoke detectors must be hard wired or have a non-removal battery with a minimum battery life of 10 years.
Now would be a good time to update your old smoke detectors and to check to see if you are in compliance with the law and add additional detectors, if needed. The life you save could be your own.
Section 704 of the Property Maintenance Code of New York State requires smoke detectors in one or two-family dwellings or a dwelling accommodation in a condominium or cooperative building (multi-family and commercial structures have their own requirements) to be installed in all of the following locations:
- On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
- In each room used for sleeping purposes.
- In each story within (all) dwelling unit(s), including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
Additionally, Section 610 of the Fire Code of New York State requires a carbon monoxide alarm to be installed on each story of the dwelling containing a sleeping area, within 15 feet of the sleeping area. More than one carbon monoxide needs to be provided where necessary to assure that no sleeping area on such story is more than 15 feet from a carbon monoxide alarm. A carbon monoxide alarm must also be installed on each story that contains a carbon monoxide source.
Owners of multi-family dwelling and commercial structure should check the specific requirements that apply to their property.
William E. Duquette is a Partner with the firm and practices Real Estate and Banking. He can be reached by phone at 866-303-9595 toll free or 845-764-9656 and by email.
