MAMMOTH LAKES
WOOD BURNER INSERT REQUIREMENTS
MLFPD Ordinance 20-01
ALL WOOD BURNER INSERTS THAT WERE INSTALLED PRIOR TO 2013 AND/OR WOOD BURNER INSERTS THAT ARE NOT PERMITTED SHALL BE REPLACED OR HAVE THE CHASE RECONSTRUCTED TO MEET MLFPD FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS UPON THE SALE OF THE REAL PROPERTY.
Requirements
A building permit shall be obtained from the Town of Mammoth Lakes before the start of any work, and a rough-in and final inspection are required before the project is deemed complete (The Town of Mammoth Lakes permits and tracks the installation of woodburning, propane, and pellet units).
Dimensions to Combustibles
A minimum of 48 inches vertically of non-combustible material shall be installed within the chase area measured from the top of the existing prefabricated metal firebox. A minimum of 24 inches horizontally of non-combustible material shall be installed within the chase area measured from the edge of the wood-burning insert. Some construction exceptions may be permitted due to unforeseen circumstances. Further, should the manufacturer's minimum dimensions be greater than that above dimensions, the manufacturer's dimensions shall prevail.
Retrofit Before and After
Air channels around Enclosure Panel
Per NFPA 211, passive circulation shall be maintained in the void space around the wood-burning insert and the pre-pre-fabricated fireboxes. Passive circulation shall be installed in each corner of the panels installed with the insert.
Circulation of Air in the Prefabricated Fireboxes
Passive circulation shall be maintained in the void space around the wood-burning insert and the prefabricated fireboxes. Passive circulation shall be installed in each corner of the panels installed with the insert.
Support of Prefabricated Fireboxes at the Base of Unit:
Should the wood-burning insert assembly weight more than 200 pounds, then the base of the prefabricated firebox shall be supported by an approved method and means. Should the complete assembly of the wood-burning insert exceed more than two stories in height, then the base of the prefabricated firebox shall be supported regardless of the weight of the wood-burning insert.
Lintel Bar
All lintels and all supporting material for said lintels shall be of non-combustible materials, and no air gap shall be permitted.
Flue Pipe
Required spacing of not less than two inches shall be maintained for all installations. All installations shall be installed with approved liner and flue cap. The flue cap shall conform to the new liner and shall not interrupt the airflow of the original flue pipe assembly. Existing non-conforming shall not apply and any modifications shall be required prior "FINAL" being issued. Inspection and verification shall be required.
Support of Prefabricated Fireboxes at the Base of Unit
Should the wood-burning insert assembly weight more than 200 pounds then the base of the prefabricated firebox shall be supported by an approved method and means. Should the complete assembly of the wood-burning insert exceed more than two stories in height then the base of the pre-fabricated firebox shall be supported regardless of the weight of the wood-burning insert.
Prefabricated Firebox
Any modification to the pre-fabricated firebox shall be approved by the manufacturer of record. Inspection and verification shall be required prior to installing decorative panels.
DEADLINE
All wood-burning inserts installed into a prefabricated firebox within the Town of Mammoth Lakes shall be removed or be reconstructed to meet the requirements of this section. The insert shall be replaced or chase reconstructed upon the sale of the real property or by October 31, 2022, if no sale has occurred before this date. The wood-burning insert and/or chase shall be replaced or configured within 90 days of the sale of the property. This requirement shall apply to all occupancy types, including single-family homes, multifamily residential structures, and commercial structures in which wood burning inserts have been installed. -- MLFPD Ordinance 20-01
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A
WOOD BURNER INSERT?
Wood burner inserts are designed to be placed inside an existing wood fireplace. Inserts allow you to update your drafty, open wood fireplace, dramatically increase heating capacity, and wood-burning efficiency while still enjoying the unmatched warmth, ambiance, and nostalgia that only wood fireplaces can provide.
EXAMPLES OF EXEMPT APPLIANCES
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