HomeMy WebLinkAboutA038 - First reading of Ordinance adopting regulations for carbon monoxide alarms in rental propertiesITEM #:43
DATE:04-08-25
DEPT:FIRE
SUBJECT:ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE
ALARMS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES.
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
At the March 11 meeting, Council reviewed a Memo regarding the addition of carbon monoxide
alarm requirements to the Rental Code. Council directed staff to draft an ordinance for Council’s
review.
Staff has reviewed the State Code and the International Building & Fire Codes to create language that is
clear and enforceable locally. For the most part, the State of Iowa adopted the same language cited in
the International Building and Fire Codes. The biggest difference is that the State added some
exceptions making its regulation slightly less restrictive than the International Code, likely because it
also applies to owner-occupied structures.
The proposed ordinance does not include the exceptions adopted by the State because staff does
not feel that they provide an equivalent level of protection for our transient tenant population.
For example, one exception eliminates the need for a carbon monoxide alarm in the vicinity of the
sleeping areas when there is an alarm placed in the same room as the fuel-fired appliance. There is a
risk that a tenant with a bedroom on the second floor will not hear, or will ignore, an alarm in the
basement.
Staff feels that the additional level of protection provided when the alarm is located near the sleeping
area is justified in rental properties. Additionally, the simplicity of enforcement when the alarm is
always required in the same location assists our customers and inspectors with education and
enforcement.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Staff sent notices to nearly 1,500 rental contacts alerting them of the new ordinance and July 1, 2025
effective date. To date, four responses have been received all in support of the ordinance, but seeking
clarification on alarm placement.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt on first reading the proposed language for regulating carbon monoxide alarms in rental
housing.
2. Request staff to modify the language and bring back an ordinance for first reading.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopting a carbon monoxide ordinance locally will give staff the ability to ensure tenants have an
additional layer of protection from carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, it is the recommendation
of the City Manager that the City Council approve Alternative #1 and adopt on first reading the
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proposed language for regulating carbon monoxide alarms in rental housing.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Carbon Monoxide Regulations Ordinance.pdf
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ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
THE CITY OF AMES, IOWA, BY AMENDING SECTION
13.802 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDING CARBON
MONOXIDE ALARM REGLUATIONS TO THE RENTAL
CODE; REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES OR
PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT
OF SUCH CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED, by the City Council for the City of Ames, Iowa, that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames, Iowa shall be and the same is hereby
amended by amending Section 13.802 as follows:
“Sec. 13.802. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS.
***
(5) Carbon Monoxide Alarms
(a) When Required. A carbon monoxide alarm is required within dwelling units or sleeping
units that contain or are served by any of the following:
(i) Fuel-burning appliance or fireplace
(ii) Attached garage
(b) Where required. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be located as follows:
(i) In any bedroom or sleeping unit where a fuel-burning appliance is located within the
bedroom or attached bathroom
(ii) Directly outside, in the immediate vicinity of:
a. Every room used for sleeping purposes in each dwelling unit
b. Every sleeping unit
(c) Alarm power source.
(i) In buildings for which construction began on or after July 1, 2018, carbon monoxide
alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring. Wiring shall be permanent and without a
disconnecting switch other than that required for overcurrent protection and shall be equipped with a battery
backup.
(ii) New and replacement carbon monoxide alarms installed in existing buildings may be
solely battery operated or may plug into an electrical socket and have a battery backup.”
Section Two. Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to
the extent of such conflict, if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and
publication as required by law.
Passed this day of , 2025.
______________________________________ _______________________________________
Renee Hall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
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