Wood burning stove permit and installation requirements

1. A building permit is required to install a wood burning stove, pellet stove, or masonry heater in the City of Fort Collins.
2. The 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) section M1414.1as adopted by the City of Fort Collins requires fireplace stoves shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with the terms of the listing. Fireplace stoves shall be tested in accordance with UL 737. Wood burning appliances shall meet the latest emission standards as stated by the State of Colorado and Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart AAA. The list of EPA approved stoves is available on the following web site: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/monitoring/programs/caa/whcert.html
3. After an approved stove is selected and verified by Building Services staff, the building permit is paid for and issued over the counter.
4. The home owner can install the stove or a city licensed contractor can by utilized.
5. The following local amendments to IRC chapter 10 also apply: "Spark arrestors. Chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester meeting all of the following requirements:
   1. The net free area of the arrestor shall not be less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chimney flue it serves.
   2. The arrestor screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 19-gage galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel.
   3. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) nor block the passage of spheres having a diameter less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
   4. The spark arrestor shall be accessible for cleaning and the screen or chimney cap shall be removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney flue."

"Hearth extensions. Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area."

"Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with the specific factory-built fireplace system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions."

October 7, 2005