San Francisco Fire Department - Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirement

BOMA San Francisco Members:

The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) provided an update to the members of BOMA San Francisco's Codes and Regulations Committee meeting recently regarding carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.  CO alarms are currently required in all new residential buildings and in all existing residential buildings when more than $1,000 of improvements are made and either of the following conditions exists:

• The dwelling has an attached garage, or;
• The sleeping unit or dwelling unit has fuel burning appliances. 

On July 1, 2011, all existing single family dwellings are required to have CO alarms when they meet the above criteria.  On January 1, 2013, all existing multi-unit residential buildings are required to have CO alarms when they meet the above criteria.  For new construction, the CO alarms will be hardwired and interconnected; for existing buildings, battery operated alarms will be allowed.