Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 85 § 85-1
Approved smoke detectors required in one- and two-family dwellings (Franklin Smoke Detectors, Installation of)
Operative Text
A. One- and two-family dwellings occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by MGL c. 148, § 26A (sprinklers in high rise buildings) or MGL c. 148, § 26B (smoke detectors/fire alarms in residential buildings that are substantially renovated), shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. B. Owners of such buildings or structures shall install either an approved monitored battery-powered smoke detector or an approved primary-power smoke detector on each level of habitation and on the basement level; the head of the Fire Department shall allow the installation of approved, monitored battery-powered smoke detectors. C. Such approved smoke detectors shall be installed in the following manner; an approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, near the base of but not within each stairway; and an approved smoke detector shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area.
Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 85 § 85-1 establishes that one- and two-family residential dwellings not already covered by certain state sprinkler or renovation laws must be fitted with approved smoke detectors. The rule specifies both the type of detector permitted—either a monitored battery-powered unit or a primary-power unit—and the exact locations where detectors must be placed, including each level of habitation, the basement, stairway ceilings, and areas outside sleeping spaces. This provision applies to building owners and sets a baseline safety standard independent of any individual tenant's actions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 85 § 85-1, property owners of one- and two-family dwellings are responsible for selecting and installing compliant smoke detectors throughout their buildings. Compliant operators typically ensure detectors are placed on every habitable level, in the basement, on stairway ceilings leading to upper floors, and outside each separate sleeping area, using either an approved monitored battery-powered model or an approved primary-power model. Coordination with the Franklin Fire Department head is advisable when opting for monitored battery-powered units, as that office holds approval authority under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 85 § 85-1 places the obligation to install approved smoke detectors squarely on the building owner, not the tenant. Residents of one- and two-family dwellings can check whether detectors are present in all required locations—each habitable level, the basement, stairway ceilings, and outside sleeping areas—as a baseline for assessing compliance. Tenants who believe their building lacks required detectors may consider contacting the Franklin Fire Department or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available reporting or enforcement options under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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