CodeMandatory
Smoke alarms must be 10 ft horizontal from cooking appliances (6 ft minimum where geometry forces it)
2025 RCNYS §R310.3.1 Smoke alarm distance from cooking appliancesDescription
Smoke alarms must be installed at least 10 feet horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. The minimum may be reduced to 6 feet where necessary to comply with the broader location requirements of R310.3.
Why this exists
Cooking steam + smoke is the #1 cause of nuisance alarms. The 10-ft rule is straightforward — but in compact kitchens the architect must plan the alarm position with the cooktop location in mind, not as an afterthought.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
standoff | min | 10 | ft | Horizontal distance from cooking appliance |
standoffReduced | min | 6 | ft | Minimum reduced distance when geometry requires |
Categories
Life safetyKitchen
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
NY Dept of State / ICCno manifest entry
2025 Residential Code of New York State (2025)
Section: R310.3.1 Smoke alarm distance from cooking appliances
Published 2025-07-01 · last verified 2026-05-15
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.