Dwellings; installation of smoke detectors
Sec. 3.5. (a) This section only applies to dwellings.
(b) A rule or an ordinance is not voided or limited by this section
if the rule or ordinance:
(1) applies to an occupied dwelling; and
(2) is at least as stringent as the requirements of this section.
(c) A dwelling must have at least one (1) functional smoke
detector installed as follows:
(1) According to the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of
the bedrooms.
(3) On the ceiling or a wall not less than four (4) inches or more
than twelve (12) inches from the ceiling. However, a smoke
detector may not be recessed into a ceiling.
(4) On each additional story of the dwelling, including
basements, cellars, and habitable attics. Unless there is a door
between levels in dwellings with split levels, a smoke detector
must be installed only on the upper level if the lower level is
less than one (1) full story below the upper level.
(d) All smoke detectors must be:
(1) battery operated or hard wired into the dwelling's electrical
system;
(2) accessible for servicing and testing; and
(3) maintained and at least one (1) time every six (6) months
tested by the occupant to ensure that the smoke detector is in
operational condition.
(e) Each owner or the manager or rental agent of the owner is
responsible for:
(1) the installation of a required smoke detector; and
(2) the replacement and repair of a required smoke detector
within seven (7) working days after the owner, manager, or
rental agent is given written notification of the need to replace
or repair the smoke detector.
(f) A person may not tamper with or remove a smoke detector
except when necessary for maintenance purposes.
(g) A unit (as defined in IC 36-1-2-23) may adopt an ordinance
concerning dwellings that:
(1) includes more stringent or detailed requirements than those
set forth in this chapter; and
(2) does not conflict with this chapter.
As added by P.L.176-1991, SEC.4.
Last modified: May 27, 2006