CA Senate Bill 183: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

See below for the entire Senate Bill.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0151-0200/sb_183_bill_20100507_chaptered.pdf

From page 15, added to the Health and Saftey Code, Section 13260 (b): "Dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” means a single-family dwelling, factory-built home as defined in Section 19971, duplex, lodging house, dormitory, hotel, motel, condominium, stock cooperative, time-shareproject, or dwelling unit in a multiple-unit dwelling unit building orbuildings. “Dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” does not mean a property owned or leased by the state, the Regents of the University of California, or a local governmental agency."

From page 16, added to the Health and Saftey Code, Section 17926 (a): "An owner of a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy shall install a carbon monoxide device, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13263, in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage, within the earliest applicable time period as follows:

(1)  For all existing single-family dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before July 1, 2011.

(2)  For all other existing dwelling units intended for human occupancy on or before January 1, 2013.

(b)  With respect to the number and placement of carbon monoxide devices, an owner shall install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable to new construction for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so."

My understanding is that the deadline for apartments and other multi-family dwellings is January 1, 2013.  The bill disinguishes between 'single-family dwelling units' and 'all other dwelling units' but makes no reference to properties located in HOA's.  The bill also does not refer to single-family 'detached' dwelling units nor does it indicate specifically what is intended by 'single-family dwelling'.  It does distinguish between single-family dwelling and condominiums on page 15, implying that condomoniums are categorized as 'all other dwelling units.'  Either way, I am suggesting to condo owners that they install by July 1, 2011 to be on the safe side; easy enough considering Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased for as little as $20 - $25 and are relatively easy to install.  Carbon monoxide detectors are also a great way to increase tenant safety while reducing liability.  You should check with an attorney if you need further clarification.