In June of 2021, the Maine State Legislature signed into law a new requirement that will affect certain commercial businesses, rental properties, and other forms of housing. Under the new law, Title 25: Internal Security and Public Safety; Part 6: Fire Prevention and Fire Protection; Chapter 317: Preventive Measures and Restrictions; Subpart 2469: Fuel Gas Detectors, the owners of these properties will be required to install Fuel Gas Detectors. In accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, at least one approved fuel gas detector must be installed in every room containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas for the types of buildings listed below.

The Fuel Gas Detector law goes into effect on 1 January, 2022. Below is a list of properties that will be affected under the new law.

• Multi-Family Housing
• Lodging affiliated with educational facilities, (Dorms, Fraternities, and Sororities, etc.)
• Children’s homes, children’s shelters, children’s residential care facilities, or specialized children’s homes as defined in Title 22, Section 8101, Subparts 1, 2, 4, 4A, and 5
• Hotels, motels, or Inns
• Mixed use occupancies that contain a dwelling unit
• Business occupancies
• Mercantile occupancies
• Assembly occupancies

The approved detectors may be either battery operated, plugged into an outlet, or hardwired.

Please follow these links for more information

https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22sec8101.html
https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/25/title25sec2469.html

If there are any questions or concerns please contact the City of Ellsworth Code Enforcement Department at: 207-667-4910 email the Fire and Life Safety Inspector at tcanavan@ellsworthmaine.gov .

Thank you
Thomas Canavan
Fire and Life Safety Inspector
Ellsworth Fire Department