Are Vent Free Fireplaces Legal In California

California building codes for fireplaces.

Are vent free fireplaces legal in california.

Some other states have localized restrictions various cities and municipalities. All vent free european home fireplaces are ansi approved for use in most us cities and states. All vented european home and element4 gas fireplaces are ansi and csa approved for use in the us and canada. 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.

A no person shall sell or offer for sale any new or used unvented heater that is designed to be used inside any dwelling house or unit with the exception of an electric heater or decorative gas logs for use in a vented fireplace. The state law has been changed but regulations have not been promulgated. California is the only state that outright bans all manner of ventless fireplaces in every part of the state. In the remaining states a welter of regulations controls ventless fireplaces based on factors such as areas of the house population of the city and altitudes.

If installing a vented fireplace in a bedroom or bathroom the fireplace must adhere to the following guideline. Energy commission to pesent draft language for 2008 iecc. One or more international codes adopted statewide with future enforcement date. Check your local code in your area.

Vent free fireplaces not allowed in california. Most states except for california and new mexico allow installation of vent free gas logs. Many argue that these fireplaces are unsafe. New mexico allows vent free appliances to run off of liquid propane but not natural gas.

Venting any type of combustion is ideal. The state does not allow vent free appliances. Vent free gas appliances are prohibited statewide. The room volume shall be not less than 50 cubic feet per 1000 btu hr.

Califoria does not allow any ventless gas logs or heaters inside the home.