WARNING!!
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required in
California Houses & Dwelling Units
By Tony Escamilla

Carbon Monoxide Requirements - Villa Home Inspections

The California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13260 et seq) is now law requiring carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in every "dwelling unit intended for human occupancy."

A carbon monoxide detector is a device similar to a smoke detector that signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air.

This carbon monoxide detection device must be:

  • Designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm. It can be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device either wired into the alternating current power line of the dwelling unit with a secondary battery backup or connected to a system via a panel.

  • If this device is combined with a smoke detector, it must emit an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning.

  • Each owner of a "dwelling unit intended for human occupancy" must:

    • Install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage. The applicable time periods are: (1) For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011. (2) For all other existing dwelling units on or before Jan. 1, 2013. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(a).)

  • A carbon monoxide alarm should be:

    • Centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.

    • Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.

  • Sellers carbon monoxide disclosure obligations:

    • Would be satisfied when providing a buyer with the Transfer Disclosure Statement or the MHTDS. If the seller is exempt from giving a TDS, the law doesn't require any specific disclosures regarding carbon monoxide detector devices. (California Civil Code §§ 1102.6, 1102.6d.)

    • Homeowners' Guide to Environmental Hazards also will include information regarding carbon monoxide.

  • Landlords have special obligations regarding carbon monoxide detectors:

    • All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide detectors.

    • Landlords in CA have authority to enter the dwelling unit for purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices "pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code [entry by landlord]."

  • The detection device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession.

    • The tenant has responsibility of notifying the owner or owner's agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. However, the landlord is not in violation of this law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he/she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant. (CA Health & Safety Code § 17926.1.)

Southern California Retrofit Requirements

It was brought to our attention recently not all Realtors are up to date on Retrofit ordinances in the various cities in Southern California. So here are the ordinances. I hope they help.


CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Download City of Los Angeles Handout

 

WATER CONSERVATION

L. A. MUNICIPAL CODE SEC. 122.03

·            All toilets must be Ultra low-flush (1.6 gallons; 6 liters per flush).

·            All showerheads must be Ultra low-flush (2.5 gal per minute).

 

SMOKE DETECTORS

Section 91.8603. L.A.M.C 

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways). Smoke detectors shall be located no more than 12 inches below the ceiling.

·            Single family residences require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Two Family Dwellings, Condominiums and Apartments shall be hard wired and be equipped with a battery backup.

  

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

 

IMPACT HAZARD GLAZING

L.A. ORDINANCE 161.136

·            All sliding glass doors (sliding portion only) that are not tempered glass must be replaced or have a mylar coating applied to make them the equivalent to being tempered glass.

 

SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE

L. A. ORDINANCE 174343

Effective February 02, 2002:

·            In recognition of the ordinance’s important public safety purpose, the City of Los Angeles, has amended section 94.1219.2.3 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code by deleting the phrase “within 12 months of sale” and inserting in it’s place “prior to entering into an agreement of sale, or prior to the close of escrow when an escrow agreement has been executed in connection with the sale.” This new ordinance (No. 174343) requiring Seismic Gas Shut-Off valves be installed “prior to the close of escrow” was adopted on November 7, 2001 and will become effective February 02, 2002.

 

Effective February 11, 2002:

·            The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has authorized Southern California Gas Co. to discontinue ALL installation of automatic Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valves (EQV’s) on its side of the meter, whether performed by SoCalGas or by others. As of February 11, 2002, this will require all EQV’s be installed on the property owners side of the meter, a city permit will be required for each installation and the gas supply will be disrupted during installation. The new guidelines will result in a slight price increase for standard installations, rising from $249 to $299. But the magnitude of these changes will be felt by owners of condominiums and multi-family dwellings. On or before February 10, 2002, we are able to install one EQV on the utility side for each bank of meters. After February 10, 2002, a separate valve must be installed for each meter dramatically increasing the price.

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REPORT
 Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 96.300 requires that the seller of residential property provide an RPR to the buyer before entering into an agreement of sale or exchange of residential property or prior to the close of escrow in connection therewith. There is a fee of $70.20 for each report requested. You can request a report online at http://netinfo.ladbs.org/autores/autores.nsf/RPRAgreement?OpenForm

 

CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS

SMOKE DETECTORS

AMENDED UBC 310.9.1.3

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require hardwire smoke detectors w/ battery back-up.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

 

WATER CONSERVATION PLUMBING FIXTURES

EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 6, 2009

  • Applicable to new plumbing fixture installations and/or replacements on ALL properties.

  • Required prior to change of ownership.  (Sale of Property)

  • Plumbing Permit is required.

  • Affidavit must be submitted at the time of sale.

Plumbing Fixture Requirements:

  • Faucets 2.2 Gallons per Minute (gpm)

  • Showerheads 2.5 Gallons per Minute (gpm)

  • Water Closets 1.6 Gallons per Minute (gpm)

  • Urinals 1.0 Gallons per Minute (gpm)

IMPORTANT FORM: Smoke Detector and Water Conservation Plumbing Fixtures Affidavit

 

CITY OF SANTA MONICA

WATER CONSERVATION
Ordinance 1667, Section 7.18.050

·            Ultra low flush toilets that use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.

·            Urinals that use a maximum of 1 gallon per flush

·            Showerheads that emit a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute.

·            Faucets that emit a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute.

·            No existing structure shall be sold or transferred unless all existing plumbing fixtures in the structure are retrofitted exclusively with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Compliance with this Section shall be included as a condition of escrow.

 

SMOKE DETECTORS

CITY OF SANTA MONICA  BUILDING AND SAFETY SIMPLIFIED CURRENT SMOKE DETECTORS REQUIREMENTS

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors. 

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet), all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways), one on every level of the home and one on top of each stairway.

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD

SMOKE DETECTORS

BUILDING CODE 8110

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

 

SEISMIC GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE

ORDINANCE 01-592

·            An ordinance of the City of West Hollywood amending the plumbing code to require the installation of approved seismic gas shut-off valves in certain structures and amending the West Hollywood municipal code.

CITY OF MALIBU

SMOKE DETECTORS

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

CULVER CITY

SMOKE DETECTORS

CBC 1210.(A)1, H&SC  13113.7, 

H&SC 13113.8 CFC APPENDIX 1A6(C)

·            Smoke detectors are required in all areas giving access to sleeping areas.

·            Single family homes require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Condos and Multi-family homes require hardwire smoke detectors.

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

SMOKE DETECTORS

UPS 310.9

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

CITY OF INGLEWOOD

SMOKE DETECTORS

UNIFORM BUILDING CODE SECTION 115

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

·            Single family homes require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Condo's and Multi-family homes require hardwire smoke detectors.

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.


CITY OF GLENDALE

SMOKE DETECTORS

UPS 310.9

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

  

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls.

·            Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.


CITY OF BURBANK

SMOKE DETECTORS

UPC 310.9

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls

·        Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

 

 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SMOKE DETECTORS

UNIFORM BUILDING CODE SECTION 115

·            Single family homes, Condos and Multi-family homes all require battery operated smoke detectors.

·            Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas (defined as a room with a closet) and all areas giving access to those sleeping areas (hallways).

 

WATER HEATER STRAPPING

HEALTH & SAFETY CODE 19211

·            All water heaters must have 2 straps located as per section 510.5 of the uniform plumbing code ( Top 1/3 and Bottom 1/3 at least 4" from controls

·        Brackets must be installed according to manufactures instructions and the DSA approval number must be stamped on the strap.

 

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