Current restrictions in place:
- No Campfires, briquette/charcoal barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of agency-provided fire rings or...
- No Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three...
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- No target shooting, except with a State o...
What are the building codes for a fireplace in California?
California's Green Building Standards Code: 4.503.1 Fireplaces Clean, Safe, and Efficient Fireplaces & Woodstoves Traditional fireplaces use an open burning area and a chimney to vent exhaust gases. Direct vent fireplaces do not require a chimney so they can vent horizontally through a sidewall or vertically up through the roof.
Are gas fireplaces legal in California?
Gas burning fireplaces and firepits are permitted. It's the kind that burn wood or manufactured logs that contribute to the concentrated air pollution. Furthermore, are vent free fireplaces legal in California? Vent-Free Fireplaces Not Allowed in California.
Can you burn wood in a fireplace in California?
California fireplace laws also stipulate what kind of wood can be burned. Painted or treated wood cannot be burned. Air pollution in Los Angeles, CA. According to an article written in the Los Angeles Times on Mar 8, 2008, wood burning fireplaces cannot be used in Southern California on bad air days, or days with heavy air pollution.
What are the requirements for a factory built wood burning fireplace?
Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127. Factory-built wood burning fireplaces shall be qualified at the U.S. EPA's Voluntary Fireplace Program Phase 2 emissions level and be in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.5.
Can I build a fireplace in my house in California?
Permanent wood-burning devices in any new residential developments are banned, and those with wood-burning fireplaces are subject to mandatory “no-burn” days when high pollution levels are forecast during the season.
Are fireplaces legal in California?
You can use your fireplace in California most days of the year. However, on days with high levels of pollution, your district may impose a temporary “spare the air” ban on burning wood. To know whether today is a no-burn day in your area, most districts have an alert system you can sign up for.
Why are wood-burning fireplaces illegal in California?
Wood-Burning Devices Rule Makes it illegal to use any wood-burning devices (such as fireplaces, woodstoves, or pellet stoves) when fine particulate pollution is forecast to exceed federal health standards and a Spare the Air Alert is in effect.
Are vented gas fireplaces legal in California?
Vent-free gas appliances are prohibited statewide. If installing a vented fireplace in a bedroom or bathroom the fireplace must adhere to the following guideline: The room volume shall be not less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 Btu/hr.
Are vent free fireplaces allowed in California?
Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them.
Do all fireplaces have to have a hearth?
A hearth is not required for electric fireplaces but can be used to enhance the aesthetics of owning an electric fireplace that looks like other types of fireplaces, such as wood burning stoves. Gas fireplaces don't typically require a hearth, but gas fireplaces with glass fronts require a hearth.
Is it illegal to have a fireplace in your house?
That said, open fireplaces are allowed in London – only if you burn smokeless coal. Smokeless coal releases 20% less CO 2 and they make for a more efficient fire.
Is it illegal to burn wood in your backyard in California?
A valid burn permit is now required for outdoor open residential burning within most California counties, including Sacramento. The permit requirement includes all private residential outdoor burning of landscape and yard debris, such as branches, leaves and other dead vegetation.
Can I install a wood stove in California?
California Laws Regulating Fireplaces There are no California statewide laws regulating wood-burning stoves and fireplaces beyond those found in most other states and issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, but various municipalities have their own regulations.
Why does California ban ventless fireplaces?
Ventless fireplaces are often restricted or illegal because of safety concerns, specifically due to the fact that they might introduce noxious combustion by-products into your home's air supply.
Do you have to have a chimney for a gas fireplace?
A gas fireplace does not need a chimney. There are two main options to choose from, either a vented or ventless gas fireplace. Vented options are safer because they remove toxic fumes from the home and do not deplete the oxygen inside. For either option, you do not need a traditional chimney.
Are ethanol fireplaces legal in California?
There are no legal or other regulations from government bodies or other organizations for decorative fireplaces that run on alcohol. However, ethanol fireplaces are to be used with common sense.
Are Wood-Burning Fireplaces Legal To Use In California?
On smoggy days or days when heavy air pollution is present, fireplaces may not be used in California.
Are Gas Fireplaces Legal To Use in California?
The installation of a gas fireplace without a vent (Vent-free) is illegal throughout California.
Are Outdoor Fireplaces Legal in California?
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and similar devices that are fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas are permitted when authorized by the Building Department and the device is only intended to burn a gas flame.
Can You Build a House with A Fireplace in California?
Yes, only gas-burning fireplaces can be built into new homes. For fireplaces in existing dwellings, if the fireplace is not deemed a hazard by the local fire department, it may remain.
Conclusion
On most days, you can use a wood-burning fireplace in some California jurisdictions, but it becomes unlawful to do so during no-burn periods, which usually occur during the winter.
How thick should a fireplace footing be?
Footings for masonry fireplaces and their chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry not less than 12 inches (305 mm) thick and shall extend not less than 6 inches ( 152 mm) beyond the face of the fireplace or foundation wall on all sides. Footings shall be founded on natural, undisturbed earth or engineered fill below frost depth. In areas not subjected to freezing, footings shall be not less than 12 inches (305 mm) below finished grade.
Where is the damper located on a Masonry fireplace?
R1001.7.1 Damper. Masonry fireplaces shall be equipped with a ferrous metal damper located not less than 8 inches (203 mm) above the top of the fireplace opening. Dampers shall be installed in the fireplace or the chimney venting the fireplace, and shall be operable from the room containing the fireplace.
How wide is a chimney?
For chimneys up to 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, four No. 4 continuous vertical bars shall be placed between wythes of solid masonry or within the cells of hollow unit masonry and grouted in accordance with Section R606. Grout shall be prevented from bonding with the flue liner so that the flue liner is free to move with thermal expansion. For chimneys more than 40 inches (1016 mm) wide, two additional No. 4 vertical bars shall be provided for each additional flue incorporated into the chimney or for each additional 40 inches (1016 mm) in width or fraction thereof.
What is the minimum thickness of smoke chamber walls?
Smoke chamber walls shall be constructed of solid masonry units, hollow masonry units grouted solid, stone or concrete. The total minimum thickness of front, back and side walls shall be 8 inches (203 mm) of solid masonry. The inside surface shall be parged smooth with refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C199. Where a lining of firebrick not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick, or a lining of vitrified clay not less than 5 / 8 inch (16 mm) thick, is provided, the total minimum thickness of front, back and side walls shall be 6 inches (152 mm) of solid masonry, including the lining. Firebrick shall conform to ASTM C1261 and shall be laid with medium duty refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C199. Vitrified clay linings shall conform to ASTM C315.
What is a masonry heater?
A masonry heater is a heating appliance constructed of concrete or solid masonry, hereinafter referred to as masonry, that is designed to absorb and store heat from a solid -fuel fire built in the firebox by routing the exhaust gases through internal heat exchange channels in which the flow path downstream of the firebox includes flow in a horizontal or downward direction before entering the chimney and that delivers heat by radiation from the masonry surface of the heater.
What type of cap is used for chimneys?
Masonry chimneys shall have a concrete, metal or stone cap, a drip edge and a caulked bond break around any flue liners in accordance with ASTM C1283. The concrete, metal or stone cap shall be sloped to shed water.
What is the minimum thickness of a firebox?
Where a lining of firebrick not less than 2 inches (51 mm) thick or other approved lining is provided, the minimum thickness of back and sidewalls shall each be 8 inches (203 mm) of solid masonry, including the lining. The width of joints between firebricks shall not be greater than 1 / 4 inch (6.4 mm). Where a lining is not provided, the total minimum thickness of back and side walls shall be 10 inches (254 mm) of solid masonry. Firebrick shall conform to ASTM C27 or C1261 and shall be laid with medium duty refractory mortar conforming to ASTM C199.
Why are there wood burning fireplace laws in California?
The purpose of wood burning fireplace laws in the state of California is to reduce the amount of pollution they place into the air. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and volatile organic compounds.
Can you curl up next to a fireplace in California?
California residents who wish to curl up next to their fireplaces this winter should make sure they are not breaking the law in the process. Numerous counties have placed limitations on when wood burning fireplaces can be used out of the interest of public health. California fireplace laws also stipulate what kind of wood can be burned.
Can you build a fireplace in a new home in California?
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District passed Rule 4901 in 2003 stating that only gas burning fireplaces can be built into new homes.
Can You Use Wood-Burning Fireplaces in California?
You can use a wood-burning fireplace in some California districts on most days, but it becomes illegal to do so in your area on no-burn days, which typically occur during the winter. No-burn days prevent wood smoke toxins from worsening air pollution, as breathing in these pollutants can cause health issues.
How Do You Know When You Can Use Your Fireplace in California?
How you know when fireplace use is allowed will vary by district, but no district makes it too hard to find out.
Can You Use Your Fireplace and Limit California Air Pollution?
If you would like to continue using your wood-burning fireplace or stove, but you also worry about the environmental and health effects of wood smoke, we have you covered.
Final Thoughts
While I’m not here to dissuade you from using wood-burning fireplaces, there are simply many benefits that you can obtain from switching to gas or electric fireplaces, especially in California.
What are the requirements for a fireplace?
Fireplaces that are built separate from the structure and added later have their own requirements. Typically, they feature metal shells around the firebox. In California, builders who want to install factory-built fireplaces must use one of the following: 1 Direct Vent Fireplaces 2 B-Vent Fireplaces 3 Chimney Vented Fireplaces
What is the California building code?
The California Building Code is strict and comprehensive. It sets rigorous standards for the design, construction, and remodeling of buildings. There’s no detail too small to fall under its purview, and that includes fireplaces. Every time a builder or contractor installs a new fireplace in a California home, they must first check each feature to ensure that it complies with the regulations.
What is a masonry fireplace?
Masonry Materials. A masonry fireplace is built into a home or commercial building. It differs from a factory-built fireplace in that it forms part of the structure. When it comes to the masonry, builders can use marble stone, but only for exterior walls.
What is a prefabricated fireplace?
Prefabricated Fireplaces. Fireplaces that are built separate from the structure and added later have their own requirements. Typically, they feature metal shells around the firebox. In California, builders who want to install factory-built fireplaces must use one of the following: Direct Vent Fireplaces. B-Vent Fireplaces.
What materials are used for a fireplace?
Acceptable materials for the back and sidewalls of a fireplace include: Cement. Firebrick. Hollow blocks. The overall structure may feature the following materials: Granite. Sandstone. Slate. Limestone.
Where is the smoke chamber located in a fireplace?
The Smoke Chamber. The smoke chamber funnels smoke and gas up through the chimney. It’s located above the throat of the fireplace and designed to slope. Typically, it’s made of masonry. Many fireplaces feature stone or concrete smoke chambers.
Does Ortal have a gas fireplace?
Ortal constructs each modern gas fireplace with an eye to the California Building Code. Our modern fireplaces use only the materials approved by state rules and regulations. Contact us to learn more about how our state-of-the-art fireplaces comply with current building codes.
When will the EPA regulations apply to wood furnaces?
No need to do anything as far as the EPA requirements. The new regulations only apply to units sold and installed after May 15 th 2020. Some have reported saving as much as 60% to 70% on wood by using an EPA Certified warm air wood furnace.
Is vent free fireplace legal in California?
Vent-Free Fireplaces Not Allowed in California. Vent-Free fireplaces have been very controversial in the fireplace industry for over decades. In fact, in 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts, however, after strong influence by the industry, all but California still bans them. Are wood fireplaces legal? ...
Is it illegal to burn wood in a fireplace in California?
The Air Quality Management District says burning wood, pellets and manufactured fire logs in residential fireplaces, stoves and fire pits is prohibited until midnight Monday.
What is the EPA phase 2 limit for wood stoves?
All woodstoves manufactured after this date must comply with Phase II limits of 7.5 grams/hr (4.1 grams/hr if catalytic equipped).
How to identify EPA certified wood stove?
An EPA certified wood stove can be identified by a temporary paper label attached to the front of the wood stove and a permanent metal label affixed to the back or side of the wood stove (See examples below). The contractor must specify and install products meeting these criteria.
What is the venting pipe for a fireplace?
The venting for a direct vent fireplace is usually accomplished with a double-walled pipe. The outer pipe brings in outside air for combustion and the inner pipe is for venting the exhaust stream. The outside air is preheated by the inner pipe which improves the efficiency of the unit.
What is direct vent fireplace?
Direct vent fireplaces come in a variety of styles and configurations. Some look like traditional fireplaces, some have modern styling. Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “Indoor and outdoor wood-burning appliances and fireplaces may emit large quantities of air pollutants.
Do fireplaces need a chimney?
Clean, Safe, and Efficient Fireplaces & Woodstoves. Traditional fireplaces use an open burning area and a chimney to vent exhaust gases. Direct vent fireplaces do not require a chimney so they can vent horizontally through a sidewall or vertically up through the roof.
Can a direct vent fireplace be retrofitted?
Direct vent fireplaces offer a variety of configuration options since they can be freestanding or installed in a wall or retrofitted into an existing fireplace. They can save space since furniture can be positioned next to the sides of the unit because the sides are protected from radiant heat.
Do pellet stoves have to be EPA approved?
Any installed woodstove or pellet stove shall comply with U.S. EPA Phase II emission limits where applicable. Woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local ordinances. The venting for a direct vent fireplace is usually accomplished with a double-walled pipe.
How far from fireplace should mantel be?
A mantel must be at least 6 inches from the fireplace opening. You'll want to familiarize yourself with your local building code for fireplaces. These are usually based on the International Building Code standards, along with standards set by the National Fire Code. Local building codes take precedence over national and international codes, ...
How thick should a fireplace hearth be?
Hearth extensions will need to be at least 2 inches thick.
How thick should a firebox be?
Your firebox wall needs to be 8 inches thick when lined with fire bricks or 10 inches thick without fire bricks. The throat of the chimney, where the smoke chamber tapers to the size of the flue, should be no less than 8 inches above the firebox, and should be at least 4 inches deep. Advertisement.
How much clearance between a wood frame and masonry?
Most local building codes and the ICC want 2 inches of clearance between a wood frame exterior or interior wall and masonry. New chimneys should be lined with clay tile or steel. They must meet height requirements in relation to the roof peak. You will likely need a screen on your chimney cap to prevent sparks from escaping.
Where should a chimney flue be installed?
It's installed inside the chimney, ideally just above the firebox and throat.
How high should a chimney be above the roof?
You want the top of the chimney to be at least 2 feet above the roofline. You also want the exterior wall of the chimney to have a minimum airspace of 2 inches beyond the exterior wall.
Where is the damper on a fireplace?
The damper is located inside the flue. This small flap should be made of metal or ceramic. Adjusting this manually, usually with a latch or handle, allows the smoke to escape or air to enter. Once your fireplace installed, you can enjoy it – but don't forget to get it inspected regularly.