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Frostburg first-reading ordinance narrows smoke‑alarm rules and updates carbon-monoxide requirements
Summary
Council advanced first reading of an ordinance to amend the rental housing code, clarifying acceptable UL standards, permitting approved wireless RF interconnection (but not Wi‑Fi) for smoke detectors, and aligning carbon-monoxide alarm language with state law.
The council on first reading advanced an update to Appendix D of the city code to clarify smoke-alarm and carbon-monoxide requirements for rental housing. The ordinance specifies acceptable testing standards (ANSI/UL standards referenced) and allows approved wireless radio-frequency interconnection as an alternative to hardwired interconnection, while prohibiting Wi‑Fi-based interconnection.
The ordinance also updates carbon-monoxide-alarm language to match state law (subtitle 11 of title 12 of the Public Safety Article), specifying that alarms must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, be AC-powered with battery backup or sealed long-life battery, or be connected to a monitored control unit. A municipal infraction fine of $1,000 for violations of the carbon-monoxide provision was included in the draft.
Staff said changes respond to prior fire-department concerns about enforceability and clarity; a resident who reviewed the revised language thanked staff for improving clarity and enforceability. The ordinance was adopted on first reading and scheduled for a public hearing May 19.
