Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-8-45
Power source (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Single-station smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring provided that such wiring is served from a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system. Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection. Exceptions: (1) Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing buildings where construction is not taking place. (2) Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source. (3) Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-8-45 establishes how smoke alarms must be powered in residential and commercial buildings. In most cases, alarms must draw primary power from hardwired building wiring connected to a commercial source and include a battery backup, with permanent wiring and no disconnecting switch. Three exceptions allow battery-only alarms: in existing buildings where no construction is occurring, in buildings without commercial power, and in areas undergoing limited alterations that do not expose wall or ceiling structure (unless attic, crawl space, or basement access exists for wiring).
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 7-8-45, compliant operators generally ensure that newly installed or replaced smoke alarms in buildings under construction are hardwired to a commercial power source and fitted with battery backup. Operators also verify that any alarms with integral strobes lacking battery backup are tied to an emergency electrical system, and that wiring is permanent with no disconnecting switch beyond overcurrent protection. Where one of the three listed exceptions applies, battery-only units may be acceptable, and documenting which exception applies helps demonstrate compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 7-8-45 gives occupants a basis to expect that smoke alarms in their units meet specific power-source standards, including battery backup on hardwired alarms in most circumstances. If an alarm appears to lack required backup power or emits a low-battery signal that goes unaddressed, tenants can document the condition and report it to Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand whether an exception under this provision applies to their building and what complaint options are available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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