WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor Ch. 423

have available at least one smoke detector for the deaf or hearing impaired for each 50
units or less. The proprietor may require a refundable deposit for a portable smoke
detector not to exceed the value of the smoke detector.

(ii) The proprietor of the hotel or motel shall post in a conspicuous
place at the registration desk or counter a permanent sign stating the availability of
smoke detectors for the hearing impaired.

(b) An occupant of a one, two or three family residential dwelling constructed
prior to July 1, 1975 shall by July 1, 1982:

(1) Equip each occupant's living unit with a minimum of one approved
battery or AC primary electric powered smoke detector; and

(2) Maintain the smoke detector.

(c) (1) After investigating a fire in any residential dwelling place described in
subsection (b) of this section, the State Fire Marshal or the local investigating authority
shall issue to the occupant a smoke detection installation order in the absence of
required smoke detectors. Failure to comply with such an order within 15 days of
reoccupancy constitutes a violation.

(2) Failure to comply with the smoke detection installation order issued
under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be punishable only by a fine not exceeding
S50. The provisions of Section 13 of this article shall not apply.

(d) Failure to comply with this section may not be used as a policy defense in the
settlement of a property insurance claim.

(e) Approved smoke detecting devices shall be installed not to exceed the lineal
or square footage allowances specified, based on the generally accepted test standards
under which they were tested and approved.

(f) Smoke detection systems, including specialized smoke detectors for the deaf
and hearing impaired, shall be approved for the particular system and shall only be used
for detection and signaling in the event of fire.

(g) Except as permitted under subsection (b) of this section, smoke detection
systems shall operate on an AC primary source of electric power.

(h) Smoke detection systems may operate on approved power supplies other
than an AC primary source when approved by the Fire Prevention Commission, but only
when it is clearly evident that reasonable safety is secured.

(i) Sale and installation of smoke detection systems and specialized smoke
detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired shall be in accordance with State of
Maryland Fire Prevention Code regulations.

(j) Approval shall be obtained from the State Fire Marshal by every
manufacturer commercially selling or offering for sale smoke detection systems in the
State. Application for such approval of each model shall be in the manner prescribed by
the State Fire Marshal and shall be accompanied by a fee of $25.

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