01 | 14 | 2009 Posted By Molly Foley-Healy

Carbon Monoxide Detector Bill Introduced in 2009 General Assembly

HB 09-1091 was just introduced in the Colorado General Assembly and by all accounts is on the fast track to passage.  As a result of the tragic deaths of the Lofgren family due to carbon monoxide poisoning, this legislation - as introduced - would mandate in part that:

  1. Any single family dwelling or unit in a multi-family dwelling offered for sale or transfer on or after July 1, 2009, would be required to have carbon monoxide detectors if the unit has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or attached garage;
     
  2. Any new construction of a single family dwelling or unit in a multi-family dwelling in which building permits are issued on or after July 1, 2009, would be required to have carbon monoxide detectors if the unit has a fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or attached garage;
     
  3. Rental units must be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and landlords would be required to provide maintenance and replacement of the detectors when notified by tenants of such a need.
Upon passage, HB 1091 will directly impact developers of single-family and multi-family communities.  Further, depending upon the requirements of governing documents, condominium and some townhome associations may also be required to ensure the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in units.
 
We will continue to monitor HB 1091 and will provide you with updates on the bill as it proceeds through the legislative process. 
Written By:John Erwin On January 14, 2009 12:18 PM

As worded, this bill would have had no impact on the tragic loss of life that occured last year in a rental home. The scope of this bill must be expanded to apply to all property that is rented either short or long term after a specific date. $20 is a small price to pay for the safety of our visitor industry.

Written By:William Zalewski, Fort Collins, CO On January 14, 2009 12:40 PM

Since the Lofgren family died in a rental unit with an improperly vented flue, will the new legislation exempt owners, landlords, etc. from properly maintaining their property and open up lawsuits against the detector manufacturers if the detctors don't work?

Detectors are always a good idea, but should not be first-line defense for properly maintained and inspected property.

Written By:Norseman Condo Asso. On January 14, 2009 2:22 PM

We in our building are taking a proactive attitude towards this matter and going ahead in installing carbon monoxide detectors in each unit above the the bo iler room. I spoke with Fireman Jones in the Denver Fire Department info. dept. yesterday and he said the best kind to get are the plug-ins with back up batteries; that the detectors need to be aired out for 24 hours 1 time per month, away from any source of carbon monoxide, otherwise, after a few months you get false negatives if the airing out process isn't done.

You all give very good information and advice, so maybe you could urge all your clients to be proactive and not wait on the government to tell them to do the right thing???? Thank you Barbara

Written By:Joe Felice On January 15, 2009 12:42 AM

Expenses should be minimal, but this is just more knee-jerk reaction for which we Americans seem to have a penchant. Just look at the Virginia Graeme Baker law. Billions will be spent in order to prevent 1 death per year. This is a true hardship to many.