For all open building permits that are completed on or after July 1, 2009, Douglas County will be enforcing the "Lofgren and Johnson Families Carbon Monoxide Safety Act" (C.R.S. 38-45). This is Colorado State Law involving the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.

In regards to the enforcement of Building Codes, this Law addresses both Single and Multi Family Dwellings for New Construction, Interior Alterations, Permitted repairs, Fuel-Fired Appliance replacement, and Additions of one or more rooms.

The Law states, in part, "that approved carbon monoxide detectors need to be located within fifteen (15) feet of the entrance to all rooms used lawfully for sleeping purposes. In addition, if the permit is for a multifamily rental unit, a carbon monoxide detector needs to be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any fuel-fired heater, fuel-fired appliance, fireplace or garage.'"

It is recommended that the Carbon Monoxide Detectors be hard wired with a battery backup; if this is impractical, then a plug-in unit with a battery backup is acceptable.

When are Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required?

An individual dwelling unit with an attached garage or containing a fuel fired appliance shall be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm when interior work such as alterations, repairs, additions or replacement of a fuel fired appliance occurs requiring a permit.

All single station carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with UL 2034 and shall be installed as described below and in accordance the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Exception: Work limited to the exterior of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing, siding or the addition of a deck or patio cover are exempt from the requirements of this section.

Where should a Carbon Monoxide Detector be located?

Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed within 15 feet of the bedrooms entrance.

When more than one carbon monoxide alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.

Exception: Interconnection of carbon monoxide alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

Power Sources for Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

Carbon monoxide alarms shall be supplied from two separate power sources.  The primary power shall be from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power.  Battery-powered alarms shall be attached to the wall or ceiling in accordance with the manufactures installation instructions.

2. Hard-wiring of carbon monoxide alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic , crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard-wiring without the removal of interior finishes.

*** Carbon Monoxide Detectors are available at most local retail or hardware stores.***