eLaws | eCases | Ohio Courts | Counties & Cities of Ohio | Code of Federal Regulations | United States Code |
 Columbus
 Code of Ordinances
 Title 45. HOUSING CODE
 Chapter 4529. SMOKE DETECTORS

  § 4529.09. Location.  

Latest version.

  • Smoke detectors should be positioned relative to stairways. Another logical location for a smoke detector is the center of the ceiling, closest to all areas of the room.

    (A)

    A smoke detector shall not be positioned on a wall more than twelve (12) inches below the ceiling or in the dead air space [which exists approximately four (4) inches along the ceiling from the corner or four (4) inches down the wall] as illustrated by Figure A.

    4529.09-1.png

    Figure A: Example of proper position for smoke detectors.

    (B)

    A smoke detector shall be installed outside of the sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

    In dwelling units with only one sleeping area, the smoke detector should be located as illustrated by Figure B-1.

    4529.09-2.png

    Figure B-1. A smoke detector (indicated by cross) should be located between the sleeping area and the rest of the dwelling unit.

    In dwelling units with one or more separate sleeping areas, smoke detectors should be located as illustrated by Figure B-2.

    4529.09-3.png

    Figure B-2. In a dwelling unit with more than one sleeping area, a smoke detector (indicated by cross) should be located to protect each.

    (C)

    A smoke detector shall also be installed on each additional story of a dwelling unit including the basement, if any, but excluding any crawl space or unfinished attic.

    In dwelling units with more than one story, smoke detectors should be located as illustrated by Figure C.

    4529.09-4.png

    Figure C. A smoke detector (indicated by cross) should be located on each story.

    (D)

    For a dwelling unit with one or more split levels, a smoke detector shall be installed outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, as required in (B) and on each additional story of the dwelling unit including the basement, if any, as required in (C). A smoke detector on an upper level shall suffice for an adjacent lower level provided the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. If a door intervenes between adjacent levels a smoke detector shall be installed on both levels.

    In dwelling units with one or more split levels, the smoke detectors should be located as illustrated by Figure D.

    4529.09-5.png

    Figure D. Split level arrangement.
    "x" indicates required smoke detector.
    "e" indicates smoke detector is optional if door
    is not provided between living and recreation rooms.

    (E)

    Although not required, an additional smoke detector may be installed in each bedroom for greater protection.

(Ord. 2509-88.)