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Minimum requirements of smoke alarms based on date of construction and location of installation:
PRE 1975; DC ten-year sealed battery powered single station smoke alarm on each level, including basement (if applicable)
1975-1977; AC powered smoke alarm uppermost level, DC smoke alarm on all other levels
1977-1983; AC powered smoke alarm on uppermost and basement level (electrically interconnected) and DC smoke detector on all other levels
1983-1991; AC powered smoke alarm on every level (electrically interconnected)
1991-PRESENT; AC powered smoke alarm with battery backup on each level and in each sleeping area (bedroom), electrically interconnected
Where smoke alarms should be located:
Smoke alarms are to be located on every level of a residence, basement, first floor, second floor, third floor between sleeping areas. In homes with only one sleeping area on one floor, an alarm is to be put in the hallway outside the bedroom. In single floor homes with two separate sleeping areas, two alarms are required outside each sleeping area in each hallway area. In multi-level homes, alarms should be located outside sleeping areas and at every level of the home. Basement alarms should be located in the bottom of basement stairwells. In addition to smoke alarm locations, refer to the minimum requirements based on the year of construction chart above.
Applicant understands:
Any change of ownership or occupancy (including the storage of personal property) may not occur, prior to a successful inspection AND possession of a Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance (CSACMAPFEC) Certification (passed inspection). Furthermore, I understand that if there is any change of ownership or occupancy (including the storage of personal property), without this required inspection, the owner will (will, shall, or may) be subject to a penalty of $500 per occurrence (N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3).
That a fire inspector from the Mount Laurel Fire Department will inspect the dwelling unit during the given block of time referenced below. The person meeting the inspector must be present at the beginning of the block of time and over the age of 18. If the assigned block of time is missed by the applicant or the applicants’ agent, another non-refundable application fee must be paid. I also understand if I do not pass the inspection, I must return to Fire Headquarters and pay another non-refundable application fee.
That all smoke alarms within the dwelling unit must be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72. That all AC powered smoke alarms must be electrically interconnected. That each level of the dwelling unit is required to have either an AC (electric) or a DC ten-year sealed battery powered smoke alarm installed. That the table below provides me with the requirements of the Construction Code regarding the number of and type of smoke alarms that are required based on the year the dwelling unit was built or CO (Certificate of Occupancy) was issued.
That all smoke alarms must be less than 10 years old as per Mount Laurel Township Local Ordinance 2021-19, Chapter 81, Section 81-24. The realtor, owner, seller or buyer must physically take the smoke alarms down and verify the date on the back of each unit to ensure compliance. If there is no date, you shall replace the smoke alarm. Any house equipped with a low voltage fire alarm system (installed by an alarm company) must have that system tested and approved by an alarm contractor prior to the inspection date. A copy of the fire alarm system certification provided by the alarm contractor must be presented to the inspector at the time of the inspection. Both the fire alarm system and the contractor testing the fire alarm system shall have the appropriate certifications and be UL listed.
That a fully charged and working 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher must be installed in the kitchen or within 10′ of the kitchen. It shall be clearly visible and not be located behind doors, in cabinets or under counters. It shall be properly mounted no higher than 5′ from the floor to the top of the extinguisher. It shall be visible and readily accessible for occupant use (and no more than 10 pounds).
That the fire inspector will need access to the electrical panel and that the electrical breaker/circuit for the smoke alarms must be located and labeled for testing purposes prior to his arrival. Homeowner/agent will be responsible for turning the electrical breaker/circuit on and off.
That if the dwelling has at least one fuel burning appliance, fireplace or a garage that a Carbon Monoxide Detector - Alarm (CO) shall be installed outside of but within the vicinity of all sleeping areas. CO located in bedrooms only will not pass code per NFPA 720. CO Alarms shall be replaced when either the end-of-life signal is activated or the manufacturer’s replacement date is reached. Alarms shall also be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests per NFPA 720.
That the fire inspector will also check the visibility and readability of the house numbers on the dwelling unit to verify that they are visible and readable from the street in the event of an emergency. The house numbers shall be in accordance with the Code of the Township of Mt. Laurel (1983-26, Chapter 105) as follows: a. Only Arabic Numerals may be used. b. Minimum height of Arabic Numerals is at least 3″ c. The House Numbers are mounted in a secure fashion. d. The color/material of the House Numbers sufficiently contrasts with the background they are mounted to. e. The House Numbers are located at least 30″ above ground level and are placed so as not to be obstructed by trees or shrubs and are in direct line of sight from the street the dwelling unit fronts onto.
That the above listed items are to be completed PRIOR to the inspector’s arrival, as that the fire inspector cannot install/repair items because of liability and time commitment of other appointments. In the event that a failure occurs, a new application shall be completed requiring an additional application fee, before a new appointment will be scheduled.
That it is my responsibility to check to make sure I have no recalled devices (smoke alarms, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors-alarms) or fire extinguishers and that all shall be installed as per manufacturer’s specifications and state code, outlined above.
Email is our means of communication. If you choose the wrong zone when scheduling your appointment, we will change the appointment and email you with your new time. Please check your email periodically for new correspondence.
FEES FOR SMOKE INSPECTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
$65 (more than 10 days prior to inspection date)
$100 (between 10 days and 4 days prior to inspection date)
$140 (less than 4 days to inspection date, based on availability)
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. |
