ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s state legislators have proposed an amendment to its Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code that would require carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all new homes, as well as existing homes, before they may be sold.

The code amendment would require at least one operating CO detector per unit in one- and two-family houses, condominiums, and cooperatives.

The amendment was proposed on Dec. 31, 2002 and is subject to a 45-day comment period at the New York Department of State. It is scheduled to take effect during summer 2003. The state’s Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is expected to adopt the provision in March, to be followed by a 90-day waiting period before it goes into effect.

Publication date: 01/20/2003