SMOKE DETECTORS

Southaven Code of Ordinances tit. IV, ch. 7

in effect

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-261 Definition.

Sec. 4-261. - Definition. The term "smoke detector", whenever used in this chapter, shall mean a fire alarm device capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion, and providing suitable alarm audible in all sleeping areas as set out in this chapter. (Ord. No. 53, § 5, 3-21-89)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-262 Specifications.

Sec. 4-262. - Specifications. This section shall set forth the required locations, design, installation and maintenance of smoke detector devices. (1) Where required. Smoke detector devices shall be required in every new and existing dwelling unit within an apartment complex, dormitory, townhouse or duplex condominium and every new and existing guest room in a motel and hotel, all in compliance with the International Building Code and the International Fire Code (as adopted). (2) Installation. These occupancies shall be provided with an approved U.L. or F.M. listed smoke detector(s) installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation and in compliance with the International Building Code and the International Fire Code (as adopted). When activated, the detector shall provide an alarm which shall be clearly audible in all bedroom units and over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. The test of the audibility level shall be conducted with all household equipment in full operation. Examples of such household equipment are, but not limited to, window air conditioners and room humidifiers. This test shall be conducted by the installer in the presence of the owner or his authorized representative. If an owner or his authorized agent cannot be present for an installation test, the installer shall submit to the owner a written notice that the smoke detector(s) were installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and were tested and are properly functioning. Smoke detectors located in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than one (1) foot rise per eight (8) feet horizontally shall be located at the high side of the room. A smoke detector installed at the head of a stairway shall be so located as to assure that smoke rising in the stairwell cannot be prevented from reaching the detector by an intervening door or obstruction. Smoke detectors shall be located on or near the ceiling in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Where the dwelling or dwelling unit contains more than one (1) story, detectors are required on each story, including cellars and basements but not including uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels a smoke detector need be installed only on the upper level, provided the lower level is less than one (1) full story below the upper level, except that if there is a door between levels then a detector is required on each level. (Ord. No. 53, § 1, 3-21-89; Amend. of 12-4-07, §§ 3, 4)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-263 Exception.

Sec. 4-263. - Exception. Any residential occupancy as set out in subsection 4-262(1) above, having in operation a form or system of electronic or other fire detection system, device or similar systems, when approved by the fire marshal or deputy/assistant fire marshal as an alternate alarm system shall be exempt from the equipment requirements of this chapter, as to all areas so protected. Fire alarm systems shall be in compliance with the International Fire Code (as adopted) and NFPA 72. (Ord. No. 53, § 2, 3-21-89; Amend. of 12-4-07, § 5)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-264 Responsibility.

Sec. 4-264. - Responsibility. (a) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of all of the above listed residential occupancies in subsection 4-262(1) to provide and install smoke detectors in full operating condition. (b) In apartment complexes, hotels and motels it shall be the responsibility of the owner or his authorized agent to conduct annual inspections of each required smoke detector and to maintain records of each inspection, indicating the date of the inspection, the name of the person who conducted the inspection and any maintenance performed on each detector and to make the records available upon request to the fire authority having jurisdiction. In the case of apartment complexes the owner, lessor or manager shall test the detector(s) at the time each unit is occupied, and it shall be the responsibility of the occupants to conduct operational safety test in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation and to notify the owner and/or managing agent in writing of any malfunction. If batteries are used as a power source, they shall be replaced by the owner in accordance with recommendations of the alarm equipment manufacturer. (c) In townhomes, condominiums and duplexes it shall be the responsibility of the occupant to make operational safety test and perform routine maintenance, including replacement of batteries in accordance with alarm manufacturer's recommendation. If a detector is found to be defective then it is the responsibility of the occupant to notify the owner in writing. (d) It shall not be the responsibility of the Southaven Fire Department or its Fire Prevention Bureau to make inspections of any smoke detector required by this chapter. (Ord. No. 53, § 3, 3-21-89)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-265 Interference with.

Sec. 4-265. - Interference with. It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or to deliberately render inoperative or to intentionally interfere with the proper operation of any required smoke detector(s). (Ord. No. 53, § 4, 3-21-89)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-266 Penalties.

Sec. 4-266. - Penalties. Any person, partnership, association, corporation or their agents convicted of violating any section of this chapter shall, on conviction thereof, pay a fine up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), together with costs of prosecution, or be imprisoned not more than six (6) months, or both. Each day a person, partnership, association, corporation or their agents is in violation shall constitute a separate offense and shall be subject to these same penalties for each offense. (Ord. No. 53, § 6, 3-21-89; Amend. of 12-4-07, § 6)

Southaven Code of Ordinances § 4-267 Effect of chapter on other ordinances.

Sec. 4-267. - Effect of chapter on other ordinances. Nothing in this chapter is intended to repeal or restrict the enforcement of any other municipal ordinance now in effect except any section or subsection of any municipal ordinance in direct conflict with this chapter is repealed.

Source: City of Southaven, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/southaven/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_TITIVBUBURE_CH7SMDEFetched: 11/1/2026