Council to consider requiring carbon monoxide detectors in all homes and businesses
Following a fatal gas leak in Cardinal Valley, the new ordinance would require carbon monoxide detectors in all commercial and residential buildings in Fayette County.
In its Work Session on Tuesday, February 17th, Council will consider advancing a new ordinance requiring carbon monoxide detectors in residential and commercial buildings constructed before 2011.
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Download: Read the presentation from the January Committee Meeting and the full ordinance here.
The proposed new regulations would apply to any existing structure with potential carbon monoxide sources, including furnaces, stoves, hot water heaters, generators, fireplaces, attached garages, and more. It would apply to single and two-family homes, apartments, hotels, boarding houses, assisted living facilities, hospitals, daycares, and commercial businesses.
The ordinance expands Lexington's current requirement, which only applies to buildings constructed or remodeled after 2011. Battery-operated detectors would be permitted in older buildings to reduce installation costs.
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes more than 400 deaths and 100,000 emergency room visits annually in the United States. Lexington reported 30 cases in 2025, including one fatality – a July gas leak at an apartment complex in Cardinal Valley killed one tenant and hospitalized 11 others. The complex was condemned after the incident.
If the Council approves the ordinance, property owners will have six months to comply. The Fire Marshal's office will enforce the requirement for commercial buildings, while Code Enforcement will handle residential properties.
The Lexington Fire Department has a limited supply of free carbon monoxide detectors available: one per home up to four-plex size while supplies last. The department can also provide guidance on detector installation, operation, and placement.
The Social Services & Public Safety Committee approved the proposal at its January 13th meeting.
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Watch the meeting: Council will vote on this item in its Tuesday, February 17th Work Session at 3:00pm in Council Chambers. You can attend in-person or watch live on LexTV.
This article was assisted by research and reporting from Sharon Stewart, League of Women Voters Observer Corps. Learn more at www.lwvlexington.com.
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