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Permit Sonoma › Divisions › Engineering & Construction › Building › Technical Bulletins › B-35 2020 Fireplaces
Building Division

B-35 2020-Current: Fireplaces

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In the northern part of the Sonoma County, the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District regulates emission requirements for fireplaces.  In the southern part of the county, emission requirements are regulated by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The requirements are different in each district.

Version: 03/01/2020

Go Back: 2020 to Current Bulletins

Applicable Regulations

The first step is to determine which district a parcel is in: Air District Map

Within Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

New Building Construction: Effective November 1, 2016, no person or builder shall install a wood-burning device in a new building construction (BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3-306).

Additions and Remodels:  A gas-fueled, electric, or EPA certified device may be installed in an addition or the remodel of a general area.  See EPA Certified Wood Heater Database to verify approved models and manufacturers.

Remodeling specific to a Fireplace or Chimney: Effective November 1, 2016, no person shall remodel a fireplace or chimney unless it is a gas-fueled, electric, or EPA certified device. This requirement is triggered by a fireplace or chimney remodel where a total cost exceeds $15,000 and requires a local building permit (BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3-307).  The $15,000 threshold only applies to work specifically for the fireplace itself and excludes the cost of a building permit.

Wood burning appliances for food, Outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits:
In both air districts, wood burning appliances specifically designed and used for food preparation, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits are permitted and do not need any emissions standard such as EPA Certified Wood Heater. Construction plans should include permanent design details to demonstrate that an appliance is used exclusively for the preparation of food.

Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are allowed throughout Sonoma County in both districts. Any installed gas fireplace shall be a direct-vent sealed-combustion type. Gas fireplaces shall be an approved and listed appliance. (CalGreen 4.503)

Within Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District (NSCAPCD)

New Installations:  Wood-burning devices are allowed within new building construction, additions, and remodels but it must be one of the following types:

  1. A pellet-fueled wood heater;
  2. An EPA certified wood heater; or
  3. A wood-burning appliance approved for use by the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District.

Relocating a wood stove is considered a new installation and shall comply with the above types.  See EPA Certified Wood Heater Database to verify approved models and manufacturers.

Remodeling a Fireplace:  A fireplace does not need to be upgraded if more than 50% over the firebox remains as part of the remodel.

Wood burning appliances for food, Outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits:
In both air districts, wood burning appliances specifically designed and used for food preparation, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits are permitted and do not need any emissions standard such as EPA Certified Wood Heater. Construction plans should include permanent design details to demonstrate that an appliance is used exclusively for the preparation of food.

Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are allowed throughout Sonoma County in both districts. Any installed gas fireplace shall be a direct-vent sealed-combustion type. Gas fireplaces shall be an approved and listed appliance. (CalGreen 4.503)