[1] Where required:

In accordance with the authority specified in section 15.1-29.9 code of Virginia , smoke detectors shall be installed in the following structures:

[a] Multi family residential builders containing four or more dwelling units.

[b] Hotels and motels providing overnight sleeping accommodations to one or more persons in dwelling units.

[c] Rooming houses, group homes, dormitories and other public lodgings regularly used to provide overnight sleeping accommodations which contain more than four dwelling units.

[2] Definitions – when used in this section:

 [a] “Smoke Detectors” shall mean mechanical device powered by batteries or alternating current capable of sensing visible or invisible products of combustion that sound an audible alarm.

 [b]”Owner’ shall mean one or more persons, jointly or severally , in whom is vested.

[1] All or part of the legal title to the property, or

[2] All or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of the         premises, and the term includes a mortgage in possession.

 [c]”Dwelling Unit” shall mean a single unit or room providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for either living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitary.

 [3] Installation requirements:

[a] The smoke detectors installed must be capable of sensing visible or invisible products of combustion, providing a suitable alarm, satisfying the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and applicable County ordinances.

b] Appropriate permits as required must be secured for the installation of the smoke detectors powered by alternating current, however , no fee will be charged for the permit in existing building.

[c] The smoke detectors shall be installed in locations specified in the applicable section of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

[4] Responsibilities in Multi-family Residential Buildings

[a] Deleted

[b] The owner or agent of the owner of a dwelling unit which is rented or leased in a multi-family residential building containing four or more dwelling units, shall furnish the tenant at the beginning of each tenancy with written certification that all smoke detectors required by s3-11 are present, have been inspected and are in good working order. The owner or agent of the owner of a dwelling unit, shall provide written notification to the tenant of the responsibilities and duties imposed by subsection[c] of this section.

[c]The tenant shall be responsible for reasonable care of the smoke detector in accordance with the s55-248-16 code of Virginia and for the interim testing and for providing written notice to the owner for repair of any malfunctioning smoke detector. Such service, repair or replacement must occur within five days of receipt of written notice from the tenant that a smoke detector is in need of repair.

[5] Enforcement:

The building official , fire official, or their duly authorized representatives , is authorized to administer and enforce this section.

[6] Section not exemption from compliance with Code:

Nothing in this section shall excuse any owner for the required buildings from compliance with all other applicable provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local applicable codes.

This ordinance shall become effective immediately but the installation date shall be by March 31, 1982.

Amended December 2, 1982