Preparing for Minnesota’s 2026 Carbon Monoxide Code Changes: What Commercial Property Owners Need to Know
As fire safety standards evolve, Minnesota is preparing to adopt significant new requirements that will impact nearly all commercial property owners across the state. Starting in 2026, the Minnesota State Fire Code will expand the installation requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, affecting both new and existing buildings. These updates aim to improve safety and align Minnesota with the 2024 International Fire Code standards, meaning commercial property owners should take steps now to prepare for compliance.
This blog outlines the critical details of the new requirements, the differences between CO alarms and CO detectors, and how property owners can best plan for these changes to ensure safety and compliance.
Please Note: The 2026 Minnesota Fire Code has not been officially adopted. The below information is based on the 2024 International Fire code which is the basis for the 2026 Minnesota Code.
What’s Changing? New Carbon Monoxide Requirements for 2026
Current CO Requirements
Currently, only specific types of buildings in Minnesota are required to install carbon monoxide alarms or detectors. However, starting in 2026, most buildings statewide will need CO alarms in all enclosed spaces served by fuel-burning systems. This code change affects existing buildings, not just new construction.
Key Changes in the 2026 Minnesota State Fire Code
- Universal Coverage: Nearly all new and existing buildings will require CO alarms, bringing a dramatic increase in the number of properties affected.
- Alarms vs. Detectors: While CO alarms are mandated under the new code, property owners should consider CO detectors as an alternative where possible, especially in large buildings.
- CO Detector Advantage: CO detectors, when integrated with a central fire alarm system, can provide building-wide CO monitoring with fewer devices, reducing maintenance needs.
The Advantage of CO Detectors for Commercial Properties
For many property owners, CO detectors offer a practical and compliant alternative to individual alarms. For example, a building with multiple enclosed rooms served by a single heating unit would typically require a CO alarm in each room. However, a single CO detector connected to the building’s fire alarm system can cover multiple rooms, simplifying both installation and ongoing maintenance.
This code change is particularly significant for properties like offices and hotels, where managing dozens or even hundreds of standalone CO alarms can be both labor-intensive and costly. With a centrally monitored CO detection system, building owners can fulfill compliance requirements without managing battery replacements and maintenance across multiple devices.
New Requirements for Hotels and Lodging Facilities
As of August 1, 2024, a new Minnesota statute mandates that all sleeping areas in hotels and lodging houses be equipped with CO alarms. Property owners are responsible for installing, maintaining, and replacing these alarms to ensure guest safety. This step toward stricter CO requirements highlights the need for proactive compliance as Minnesota moves toward broader mandates in 2026.
FAQs: What Minnesota’s 2026 Carbon Monoxide Code Means for Commercial Property Owners
Q: Why are carbon monoxide alarms required in commercial buildings?
A: CO is a silent threat—colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly. The new requirements aim to protect building occupants from CO exposure, especially in buildings with enclosed areas served by fuel-burning systems. Compliance helps ensure tenant safety and minimizes legal liability.
Q: What’s the difference between a carbon monoxide alarm and a carbon monoxide detector?
A: CO alarms are typically standalone, battery or A/C powered devices installed within individual rooms or spaces, alerting occupants to the presence of CO in the immediate area of the alarm device. CO detectors, on the other hand, are part of a central fire alarm system, providing broader, centralized monitoring with alerts sent to a central monitoring station. This makes CO detectors ideal for larger properties with extensive room coverage needs.
Q: Can I use battery-operated CO alarms to meet the 2026 requirements?
A: Yes, battery-operated CO alarms are allowed in existing buildings. In many cases, a CO detector integrated with your fire alarm system can be a more efficient solution for compliance.
Q: What happens if I only install standalone CO alarms?
A: While installing multiple battery-operated CO alarms may meet basic compliance, this approach requires regular battery checks and replacements, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially in large buildings. A centrally monitored CO detector system can reduce these maintenance needs and streamline compliance. Carbon monoxide detectors are connected to a computerized supervision system that will instantly alert the building staff if anyone removes a detector or the detector has a maintenance issue. This functionality can provide significant cost savings over the life of the detector.
Q: I own a hotel. What are my responsibilities under the new code?
A: As of August 1, 2024, hotels must have operational CO alarms in each sleeping area. As the property owner, you’re responsible for installing and maintaining these alarms, as well as replacing them if they become non-functional during an occupant’s stay. Minnesota Statue 299F.51 Outlines the owner’s legal responsibilities “replace any required carbon monoxide alarm that has been stolen, removed, found missing, or rendered inoperable during a prior occupancy and that has not been replaced by the prior occupant prior to the commencement of a new occupancy of a hotel guest room or lodging house.” Checking every carbon monoxide alarm in every hotel room before the next guest occupies the room is an extremely daunting task. A Carbon Monoxide Detection System can significantly reduce this burden by monitoring all your Carbon Monoxide Detectors for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If the system detects a problem the building staff will be instantly alerted so that they can immediately address the problem. A CO Detection System only requires that your detectors be checked once a year vs CO Alarm devices that are required to be checked after every guest.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for the 2026 code changes?
A: We recommend scheduling a CO detection assessment with MTG to evaluate your property’s needs and identify the best solution, whether standalone alarms or an integrated detector system. MTG can help ensure your property is compliant and safe before the new regulations take effect.
Plan Ahead with MTG for Carbon Monoxide Safety Compliance
The 2026 carbon monoxide code changes are approaching. Taking proactive steps can help you avoid last-minute challenges. Contact MTG to schedule a consultation and let us help you create a compliant and cost-effective CO safety solution for your property.