Does Georgia Require CO Detectors? Local Code Rules Explained

Last verified: February 16, 2026

Georgia carbon monoxide detector laws are primarily implemented through IRC Section R315 as adopted in the state minimum code system and enforced by local jurisdictions. The strongest statewide pathway applies to new one- and two-family dwellings and similar code-triggered residential projects, rather than a broad all-occupancy statute.

For builders and property managers, compliance should begin during permit planning so alarm placement and product selection align with the adopted local edition and amendments. Because enforcement is local, builders should confirm jurisdictional adoption details before construction starts.

This code-driven model makes preconstruction coordination, documented inspection workflows, post-install verification, and permit closeout tracking essential for reliable Georgia compliance in both single-site and portfolio programs. Teams that run recurring quality audits, photo-verified installs, and jurisdiction-specific checklists usually avoid reinspection delays and inconsistent field decisions.

In 60 Seconds

CO detector requirements for Georgia
Applies to homes?	Yes
Applies to rentals?	Yes
Applies to hotels/STRs?	No

When Are CO Alarms Required?

New construction
State requirement is implemented via the Georgia International Residential Code (IRC) with Georgia State Amendments; local governments enforce through permitting/inspection when the code is adopted locally.
NCSL summary indicates coverage for new one- and two-family homes and townhomes of three stories or less.

Where to Install CO Alarms

Provide CO alarms in dwelling units for new construction; placement is governed by the adopted Georgia IRC Section R315 and manufacturer's instructions.
NCSL summary: detectors installed in general sleeping areas (vicinity of bedrooms) for covered new dwellings.

For detailed placement guidance beyond legal requirements, see where to place carbon monoxide detectors.

Device Requirements

CO alarms required by Georgia IRC Section R315 for new construction; device type/power method must comply with the adopted code edition and manufacturer's instructions.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Landlord: For rental homes/units, ensure the dwelling complies with locally enforced Georgia IRC requirements (including required CO alarms for new construction where applicable).

Tenant: Test/maintain alarms per manufacturer instructions and promptly report deficiencies to the property owner/manager.

Georgia uses a state minimum standard code framework; local jurisdictions adopt/enforce. Local amendments may add requirements.

Enforcement

Enforced by: Local building department / code enforcement authority (permitted construction and inspections) under the locally adopted Georgia State Minimum Standard codes.

Enforcement typically occurs:

During building permitting and inspections for new construction.
During certificate of occupancy processes where applicable.

Because local adoption/enforcement can vary, always verify the code edition and amendments in force for the specific jurisdiction.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties are generally handled through local code enforcement (permits, inspections, notices of violation) rather than a single statewide fine schedule in the IRC amendment text.

Georgia’s requirement is implemented through adoption/enforcement of state minimum standard codes by local jurisdictions.

Additional Notes

If you want the exact placement/power/interconnection rules, cite the specific Georgia IRC edition in force locally (Section R315) plus any local amendments.

Official Sources & References

Georgia International Residential Code 2020 Amendments — Section R315 (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) — R315.2.1 (building code, accessed 2026-02-16)
Official Georgia DCA publication revising R315.2.1 to require CO alarms in dwelling units for new construction (effective Jan 1, 2020).
Georgia Department of Community Affairs — Current State Minimum Codes for Construction — Current state minimum standard codes (includes International Residential Code) (agency guidance, accessed 2026-02-16)
Official DCA page listing the state minimum standard codes adopted by the Board of Community Affairs.
Georgia Secretary of State Rules — Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (GAC 110-11-1) — Rule 110-11-1-.01 (state code, accessed 2026-02-16)
Official rules page referencing O.C.G.A. §8-2-20 et seq. and describing the state minimum standard codes framework.
NCSL — Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Statutes (Georgia row) — Georgia (secondary index, accessed 2026-02-16)
Cross-state index summarizing Georgia’s IRC-based requirement (new one- and two-family homes/townhomes; general sleeping areas).

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice. Requirements may vary by city, county, and building type. Always verify current rules with local authorities and official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia CO alarm rule mainly a new-construction code requirement?

Yes. Georgia primary statewide pathway is code-based and tied to IRC Section R315 as implemented through state minimum standards and local enforcement. The clearest trigger is new residential construction and comparable permit-driven projects, not a broad one-line statute covering every occupancy. That means builders must confirm the local adopted edition and amendments before installation planning begins. In practice, failures happen when teams assume one jurisdiction interpretation applies statewide. Georgia compliance is strongest when alarm requirements are reviewed at permit intake, not at final inspection.

Which Georgia residential projects usually trigger CO alarm installation?

Projects that fall under locally enforced Georgia IRC pathways, especially new one- and two-family homes and covered townhome construction, commonly trigger installation duties. Depending on local adoption language, major permitted residential work can also bring carbon monoxide alarm requirements into scope. The key is to match project type, occupancy classification, and local amendment text before finalizing plans. Contractors should coordinate with local code officials early so alarm location, wiring method, and device listing are approved before rough-in and final inspection stages.

In Georgia rentals, which lease and maintenance controls support CO compliance?

Georgia framework is code-driven, so landlords should first verify whether the property was built or renovated under code triggers that require alarms. For covered units, ongoing compliance means keeping alarms operable, documenting service calls, and ensuring move-in readiness. Lease terms should clarify tenant reporting duties and owner repair response expectations. Because local enforcement practice can vary, multi-jurisdiction operators should maintain a county or city matrix rather than applying one blanket rule. The practical legal anchor remains the locally enforced IRC-based requirement in Georgia jurisdictions.

Do all-electric Georgia homes have automatic statewide exemptions?

No universal Georgia exemption language overrides local code analysis. In many IRC-based frameworks, absence of fuel-burning equipment or attached-garage risk can reduce trigger likelihood, but local amendments and occupancy specifics still matter. Owners should verify local code text before classifying a home as exempt. Multi-unit and mixed-use layouts can introduce shared-risk conditions even when one unit appears all-electric. For risk management, many Georgia operators install alarms in borderline scenarios and document the reasoning in inspection records.

How does Georgia approach compare with Florida statute model?

Georgia and Florida both rely on code pathways, but Florida has a clearer statewide statutory anchor in Section 553.885 for new buildings and additions. Georgia relies more heavily on state minimum code adoption and local enforcement of IRC Section R315. For multi-state construction programs, this difference changes how teams structure due diligence and permit intake checklists. Compare Georgia code-adoption model with Florida CO detector laws before reusing standard specifications across both states.

Practical CO Detector Guides

Beyond legal requirements, these guides help you choose, install, and maintain CO alarms:

Where to place carbon monoxide detectors — room-by-room placement recommendations
CO detector beeping patterns — what different alarms mean
What to do if your detector goes off — emergency response checklist
CO resources and links — official agencies and safety information